Steroids

Lesson 1 - DHQ What do you know about steroids?

What are steroids? Similar to certain hormones in the body The body produces steroids naturally to promote growth and development Corticosteroids are prescribed by doctors and are used to dampen overactive immune responses (allergic reactions or rashes) and reduce swelling

Anabolic Steroids Artificially produced hormones Nearly identical to male sex hormones, like testosterone 100+ variations

How do anabolic steroids work? Stimulate muscle tissue to grow and “bulk up” in response to training Mimic the effect of naturally produced testosterone in the body The hormone testosterone is responsible for increasing muscle mass

Dangers of Anabolic Steroids If used by people who are not physically mature, it prevents bones from fully maturing Mood swings (“roid” rage) Mood swings (“roid” rage) Personality changes (depression, aggressive tendencies) Enlarged heart Increased chance of heart attack Liver damage

Specific risks for females Because of hormonal disturbances there could be: –Increased facial hair growth –Deepening of the voice –Shrinking of breasts –Loss of feminine characteristics –Menstrual cycle changes

Specific risks for males Decrease in testosterone which leads to: –Decreased sperm count: can lead to infertility –Enlargement of male breasts –Prostate gland enlargement

Are steroids illegal? “Yes, without a doctor's prescription for a medical condition, it's against the law to possess, sell, or distribute anabolic steroids.” “Under federal law, first-time simple possession of anabolic steroids carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. For first- offense trafficking in steroids, the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Second offenses double this penalty.”

Anabolic Steroid Use Steroids are commonly associated with athletes trying to improve their performance It is speculated that around 20% of professional athletes and it is most likely higher than that Steroid users know how to “beat the system” when it comes to drug testing

…continued Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass and strength, but aerobic endurance appears to be unaffected Not just athletes take anabolic steroids… –Many non athletes take steroids for cosmetic reasons

Human Growth Hormone Only legal when prescribed Doctors prescribe hGH for people whose bodies don’t naturally make enough growth hormone (growth hormone deficiency) Can only be injected Recent trends show an increase in growth hormone being abused as an athletic supplement

Studies have shown little effect on increasing muscle mass and strength Most of the increase in mass is due to water retention

Risks of Growth Hormone use Bones and skin thickening, broadening of the hands, feet and face Muscle and joint weakening Internal organs enlarging Heart disease Diabetes

Steroids in the Sports Arena Marion Jones – Olympic Track Athlete Marion Jones – Olympic Track Athlete

Barry Bonds – professional baseball player, hit 762 home runs.

Mark McGwire

Sammy Sosa

Roger Clemens

Lance Armstrong Previously won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, but was stripped of those victories in 2012 after a protracted doping scandal. 2jtDH-10m2s 2jtDH-10m2s