Anabolic steroids truth
Steroid abuse is still on the rise, and not just among
professional athletes and bodybuilders. Despite numerous educational
efforts by health care officials, many amateur and high school athletes
looking for that elusive competitive edge still believe they can get
it from a syringe or a bottle of pills. What they don't realize is that
steroids will give them a lot more than they bargained for.
Not worth the risk
Acne. Liver damage. Increased risk of heart disease. These
are just a few of the side effects associated with anabolic steroid
abuse. And there's more.
The side effects are severe. Men who use steroids also
may develop gynecomastia (the development of breasts), priapism (painful
prolonged erection) and edema from sodium and water retention. They
also will be more prone to cardiovascular problems since steroids decrease
high-density lipoprotein levels (HDL) or ''good'' cholesterol and increase
low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL) or ''bad'' cholesterol. Coupled
with hypertension and negative changes in myocardial tissue, steroids
users are at an increased risk for heart attack as well.
Of additional concern are alterations in psyche and behavior
(i.e., aggression, physical dependence) and decreased immune function.
Changes in the reproductive system, such as a reduction in testicle
size, sperm count and mobility, and a decrease in the levels of endogenous
testosterone and other sex hormones are common.
Women at risk
Unlike men, whose side effects may be reversible once the
abuse has stopped, women experience irreversible changes, such as a
deepened voice, increased facial and body hair growth, enlarged clitoris
and coarser skin. In addition, irregularities in or cessation of menstrual
cycle, increased libido, aggressiveness, acne and decreasedimmune function
may occur. Women are also prone to the cardiovascular risks and changes
in psyche and behavior that men experience.
All risk, no glory
There is an even scarier risk of steroid abuse: death.
Steroid users who share needles are putting themselves at risk for developing
infections such as HIV, hepatitis or other viral diseases.
The terminal risks of steroid abuse are not fully known.
Some published cases of tumors and other cancers related to steroid
abuse have been reported. Even so, physicians and researchers do not
know all the repercussions of steroid abuse on one's body and future
health.Controlled research is unethical and only information from abusers
is usable; yet this data may be inaccurate since most users are not
forthcoming about the full extent of their steroid use.
Since the late 1980s, the federal government has begun
to crack down on steroid use and distribution. Possession of steroids
with intent to distribute without a valid prescription is a felony and
subject to prosecution. Likewise, steroid use is a violation of the
rules of virtually all sports leagues and councils as well as the traditional
ethics of good sportsmanship.
No substitute for training
What most steroid users don't realize is that they are
placing themselves at risk for something they could achieve on their
own. Many experts agree that the effects of steroids on strength and
muscle mass of beginning weight lifters or athletes are minimal when
compared with the effects of an intensive weight-training or conditioning
program.
The best way to improve performance and increase muscle
mass is to follow a well-designed program that challenges both your
body and your mind. No drug can do that for you.
Steroids affect your heart
Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular disease, including
heart attack and stroke. These heart problems can even happen to athletes
under the age of 30.
Steroids affect your appearance
In both sexes, steroids can cause male-pattern baldness, cysts, acne,
and oily hair and skin.
Steroids affect your mood
Steroids can make you angry and hostile for no reason. There are recorded
cases of murder attributed to intense anger from steroid use.
Steroids increase your risk of infection
Sharing needles or using dirty needles to inject steroids puts you at
risk for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Other slang terms associated with steroid use include:
* Roid rages--uncontrolled outbursts of anger, frustration,
or combativeness that may result from using anabolic steroids.
* Shotgunning--taking steroids on an inconsistent basis.
* Stacking--using a combination of two or more anabolic steroids.
Reprinted on July 04, 2005, courtesy of the American
Council on Exercise®. For more information, please visit http://www.acefitness.org.
( Source : www.geha.com
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