Steroids
We tend to think of serious
athletes as being the ultimate examples of how we should take care of our
bodies. This is often true. However, due to intense pressure to succeed,
many athletes turn to performance-enhancing drugs to improve their skills.
One of the largest groups abusing these drugs is the male adolescent population.
The most commonly abused drugs
are the anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) taken to build muscle size and
strength and increase speed and endurance. These drugs are intended
to be used to help stabilize hormone levels in males that do not have enough
of the androgen (male) hormones. The drugs are also helpful in patients
who have a chronic disease that is causing muscles to waste away.
However, when used in healthy people, the AAS drugs can have tragic effects.
Side effects of the AAS drugs
include:
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Acne
-
Hair loss
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Edema (excess fluid in the body)
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Liver damage
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High blood pressure
-
Suppression of normal hormones
-
Wasting away of the testicles
-
Breast enlargement in males
and shrinkage of breast size in females
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Increased risk of prostate cancer
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Menstrual problems
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Facial hair growth in females
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Drastic mood swings and irritability
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Difficulty sleeping
-
Violent behavior, known as “roid
rage”
How are these steroids dangerous,
when others are safe? The performance-enhancing steroids are anabolic-
androgenic, which means they are derived from testosterone, the primary
male hormone. Their purpose is to promote body growth and masculinizing
effects. The steroids used in such conditions as asthma, arthritis,
or kidney disease promote catabolism in tissue cells. Catabolism
is the process by which complex substances are broken down into simple
compounds and therefore able to be used and then excreted in urine more
easily.
Catabolism is necessary when
there is an inflammatory process going on in the body. These steroids
will decrease inflammation by pulling the excess fluid from tissue and
excreting it in urine. These steroids, such as Prednisone and Solu-Medrol,
are also very serious medications and must be monitored closely by the
physician.
Treatment of AAS abuse must
first start with the identification of the abuser. Most people using
these drugs will deny they are taking them. Therefore, physicians,
teachers, and family members must be educated to watch for the presence
of side effects. Often, the user will be extremely focused on his
or her body or athletic performance, gain a substantial amount of muscle
mass and weight over a short period of time, and have drastic mood swings.
Whenever AAS abuse is suspected,
a family member or friend should consult with the family physician
to determine the best approach to getting help for the patient. Treatment
approaches must be individualized based on each patient, depending on the
amount of medication being taken and for how long of a period of time.
The underlying issue causing the patient to abuse the medication, such
as anxiety or self-esteem, must also be addressed.
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