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Steroids Part 1 of 2
Tuesday, 31 March 2009.
Originally from express article 13 August 2008
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
With the Olympics in full swing – it seems a good time to be reflecting on what can be seen as a friend or a foe to athletes...
What the drug does
Steroids are a group of chemicals, including hormones (e.g. the male sex hormone, testosterone and the female sex hormone, estrogen) that are important in the normal functioning of the body. In a healthy person, the body produces steroids at the correct levels to maintain the normal growth and development of cells.
Manufactured steroids can be swallowed or injected.
Commonly abused steroids include ‘anabolic’ steroids; which are derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. The term ‘anabolic’ means tissue-building.
Using anabolic steroids can lead to a range of health problems, including mental or emotional disturbances, and occasionally death. Injection of steroids leads to greater health risks including HIV and hepatitis if needles are shared, and other circulation or organ damage from the substances mixed with steroids.
The effects of anabolic steroids vary among individuals. Anabolic steroids act on the body by assisting the development of muscle and mass and strength.
Anabolic steroids also affect the brain causing a sense of euphoria, reducing fatigue, increasing aggression and irritability.
Degree of harm
Steroids, including ‘anabolic steroids’ have both positive and negative effects on the body. There are a wide range of negative effects, or side effects. Side effects are more common in those who take large or prolonged doses. Because anabolic steroids are usually supplied illegally, the quality and contents of the drug is unknown and can therefore increase health risks.
Common side effects of anabolic steroids include:
- Liver poisoning and cancer
- Reduced fertility in men (reduction in natural testosterone and subsequent shrinking of testes, reduced sperm production, reduced sex drive, and impotence); and women (reduced or stopped menstruation, shrinking of uterus and ovaries)
- Higher voice in men, deeper voice in women
- Increased breast tissue in men, decreased breast tissue in women
- In women, growth of facial hair, baldness and enlargement of the clitoris
- Increased blood pressure
- Increase risk of heart attack and stroke by raising cholesterol levels and other circulation effects
- Increase risk of muscle and tendon injury
- Predisposition of diabetes
- Reduced immune system
- Acne, headaches, muscle spasms, and dizziness
- Shortening of bone length if taken by adolescents
- Increased aggression and irritability
- Anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns
- Mental and emotional disturbances
When you’re ready to talk about your alcohol or other drug use, or you’re concerned about someone else contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
> More items from Di's Drug Column
