Anabolic Steroids Research Paper

Anabolic steroids were first discovered in the late 1930’s as a way to care for hypogonadim, a condition in which the testes do not produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development, and sexual functioning (Volkow, 2001). Since this time, anabolic steroid usage has been one of the most controversial topics in modern medicine. In the late 1930s, scientists learned that anabolic steroids could expedite the development of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals. Anabolic steroids are artificial steroid hormones that act like testosterone in assisting the maturation of muscle. These hormones are medically used to treat forms of weight loss. However, more recently, professional athletes as well as ordinary individuals have been abusing …show more content…
When it comes to the male reproductive process, steroids can lead to decreased reproductive hormones, testicular atrophy, oligospermia, impotence, priapism, gynecomastia, prostatic hypertrophy, and prostatic carcinoma. Steroid use in men drops the level of luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormones which causes a decrease in testosterone production, spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy (Maravelias, 2005) Steroids also affect the female reproductive system leading to menstrual irregularities, clitoral hypertrophy, uterine atrophy, breast atrophy, teratogenicity, acne, deepened voice, and baldness. Some of the hormonal effects in females may be irreversible. Aside from reproduction in the male and female, steroids are harm to the liver. Side effects regarding the liver may include hepatocellular damage, cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, hepatoadenoma, hepatocarcinoma, cardiovascular and hematologic effects, increased cholesterol, hypertension, and thrombosis. Benign and malignant tumors have been associated with the distribution of steroids. Many athletes who have sizable histories of steroid abuse have died from hepatocellular carcinoma or from a rupture in the hepatic tumor (Maravelias, …show more content…
The study utilized different resources including interactive classrooms and training sessions given by coaches and strength trainers. Discussions in the program ranged from nutrition to alternatives and effects of substance abuse in sports. The study concluded that the prevention of drugs could be taught through sex-specific education centered by teams (Goldberg, 1996). It was noted that school athletic teams provide an environment where drug prevention and health promotion can be discussed and taught (Goldberg,