What are Steroids?    
 
 
 
 
 

steroid pillssteroid injection

 

  • Steroids are synthetic forms of the male sex hormone testosterone.  Steroid use produces tissue building and masculinizing effects.  The effect of testosterone in the body is to stimulate the development of bone, muscle, skin, hair growth, lowering the voice and emotional responses. 
  • When too much testosterone is produced, the body can react by shutting down skeletal growth mechanisms.

Who Uses Steroids?

  • Athletes
    • Football Players, Body Builders, Swimmers, Runners, Cyclists
  • Adolescents
  • Male & Female Models

Routes of Administration

  • Orally
  • Injected directly into the muscle
  • Rubbed on the skin when in the form of a gel or cream
  • “Stack” the drug – taking two or more anabolic steroids, mixing oral and/or injectable types
  • “Pyramid” – Slowly increasing the doses over a 6 to 12 week period

Side Effects & Adverse Reactions

  • Disrupts the normal production of hormones in the body
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Male breast development
  • Acne
  • Liver Cancer
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Stunted Growth
  • Endocarditis – bacterial illness that is fatal
  • Risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis B & C, when sharing a needle
  • Enlargement of prostate gland – causes pain and problems with urination
  • Can increase the likelihood of prostate cancer
  • Shrinking of the testicles
  • Impotence
  • Reduced sperm production

Women-

  • Deepened voice
  • Enlarged Clitoris
  • Shrinking of the breasts or uterus
  • Facial hair growth
  • Menstrual irregularities

THESE MASCULINIZING EFFECTS ARE OFTEN IRREVERSIBLE EVEN AFTER STEROID USE IS DISCONTINUED!

Signs & Symptoms of Steroid Use

  • Quick weight and muscle gain
  • Purple or red-colored spots on the body
  • Swelling of feet or lower legs
  • Trembling
  • Unexplained darkening of the skin
  • Bad breath
  • Increased aggressive behavior (“roid rage”)

 

References:

  • Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, “Steroids, Just the Facts.” http://www.tcada.state.tx.us/research.facts/steroids.html ( 2 Oct. 1997).
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Report: Anabolic Steroid Abuse, April 2000

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