Anabolic Steroids
• Anabolic increase growth of muscle
tissue at higher speed than natural
• Steroids chemical structure that is
similar to testosterone
• Three forms: oral, injection & ointment
– Oral promotes overall muscle growth
– Injection & ointment used directly on
specific muscle groups
(**oral has shortest half-life but most toxic to
liver)
USES:
– Delayed puberty
– Impotence
– Post-surgery
– “body-wasting” in AIDS patients
Abuse of Steroids
• Occurs when dosage increases to levels
higher than medically approved (10-300x)
• Abused by athletes to stimulate growth of
muscle tissue and slow the process of
muscle breakdown from repeated strain
• Abused by non-athletes to look more
“buffed”
• Abused by law enforcers and military to
increase strength and aggressiveness
Methods of Abuse:
• Stacking two forms at once
increases overall “bulk”
• Pyramiding cycle starting with low
dosage and increase daily to maximum
and then taper off again followed by
period of abstinence
Abuse may lead to:
• Males:
– Development of “breast buds”
– Erectile dysfunction and/or impotence
– Premature balding
– Sterility
• Females:
– Genital enlargements
– Menstrual irregularity
– Deepening of voice
– Beard growth
– “male pattern” hair loss
– Reduction of breast size
• Both genders liver damage; heart disorder; high blood
pressure
• If Abuse begins in adolescence stunted growth;
depression; uncontrolled anger