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02/11/09
1.What are steroids?
Steroids are ‘manmade’ hormones in Leigh man’s language. They are a form of synthetic hormones that have been manufactured to resemble a male hormone called male testosterone. They are known for their ability to increase the rate of muscle growth.
2. The types of steroids available
There are corticosteroids. They are used for medicinal purposes and are very effective in treating inflammations of the body. They are also administered as prescription medicine for people suffering from asthma attacks amongst other conditions of the respiratory system.
The second type of steroids is referred to as anabolic steroids. They are made to resemble androgens, male sex hormones. These are the ones that are famous for their ability to cause rapid growth of muscles.
3. How do people use steroids?
Anabolic steroids come in various forms. Anabolic steroids can be taken orally as pills or liquid, they can also be administered in the form of gels and creams. Another form that is commonly used to administer steroids is directly into the body by use of injections.
4. Can steroids become addictive?
As any other drug, steroids can be abused and become addictive. An abuser overdoses by as much as 100 times more than required.
5. Are there any side effects?
They have quite a number of side effects. They include disruption of the hormonal system that in effect can cause baldness, growth of breasts in men etc. the disruption of the functionality of the cardiovascular system may cause heart attacks. The skin may get acne while the liver may get tumors.
6. What are the side effects in men?
Due to the disruption of the hormonal system, men may experience a reduction in sperm production, a shrinking of the size of the testicles a condition referred to as testicular atrophy. Male-pattern baldness has also been observed and so has gynecomastia which refers to the abnormal enlargement of the male breasts.
7. What the side effects in women?
Anabolic steroids cause masculinity in women. Side effects include reduction of the size of breasts as well as in the amount of body fat. The clitoris may enlarge while the voice may become deeper. An increase in body hair may also be experienced and at the same time there may be a decrease in scalp hair.
8. Can steroids affect children?
It is a sad fact, but there are parents who give steroids to their kids. Steroids can have side effects on children such as stunted growth, may affect the development of the brain and may cause psychological problems such as mood swing which may develop into clinical depression.
9. Can steroid abuse be cured?
Supportive therapy has proven to be effective. There is also medication that deals with specific side effects. Prevention is still advocated for.
10. Can steroid abuse be prevented?
Indeed it can be prevented by educating society concerning the adverse effects of steroid abuse. The parents, schools, trainers and society as a whole have this responsibility on their shoulders.
