Anabolic Steroids In Exercising, Athletics, And The Effects On The Human Body

Through all of history, athletes have searched for certain “foods” and “potions” to turn their old bodies into more powerful ones. By doing this, many athletes turned to anabolic steroids. When did these drugs come about, or what is the history behind steroids? The noted history of anabolic steroids being abused drugs began in 1954 among Olympic weight lifters. During 1956, American athletes first marketed Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) in the U.S., which provided a way for use. In the beginning only the “world-class” athletes that participated in some of the sports that required more strength used them. Athletes and their trainers began to develop high doses with different types of drugs. These athletes and trainers went against scientist’s opinions about the high dosages. Even though some scientists stated that there was no real evidence that steroids even caused muscle growth or caused the athlete to have improved ability. They even warned that the large amounts would lead to serious side effects. As steroids reputation grew they spread to other sports. The only Olympic sports in which steroids have not been detected are fig

On the other hand, women often experience a "masculinization" effect from anabolic steroids. Female athletes, more than male athletes, are likely to gain a competitive edge by using male hormones, which give females more muscle, less fat, narrower hips, and higher hematocrits (Eichner. 1997). Just like men, women also experience increased aggression while taking anabolic steroids. The negative effects that come from taking anabolic steroids in woman are facial hair starts to grow and their voices get deeper. Other effects of steroid use in woman include permanent enlargement of the clitoris, menstrual difficulties, permanently decreased in breast size, and male appearance, which might also affect reproduction capability (Sabock 263).

Steroid-using athletes grow stronger, but serious side effects included unhealthy cholesterol profiles, heart attack, stroke, liver tumors, and prostate problems (Eichner. 1997). There are many negative side effects for athletes of all ages and sexes who use anabolic steroids. There are several warning signs of steroid use. The first is a drastic increase in lean body weight (muscle); the second is a change in behavior, such as compulsive weightlifting or extreme aggressiveness; the third is the sometimes-prolonged recovery from relatively minor injuries like an ankle sprain (Sabock 263). Some general side effects of using anabolic steroids include severe acne, edema, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, hair loss, hepatotoxicity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Koziris. 2000).

With all of this talk about better performance and everything. Does taking anabolic steroids really work? In the past, doctors believed that steroids did not really help athletes to gain muscle tissue. The athletes taking steroids only thought this would happen, so they worked harder. It was the focused attitude of the athlete and the physical stimulation of training that produced bodybuilding effects. Athletes, coaches, trainers, and physicians report that there is a significant increase in lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Anabolic steroids do not improve agility, skill, or cardiovascular capacity (Taylor 38).

Adolescents that use anabolic steroids are affected differently that men and woman that use the drug. Anabolic steroids can effect bone growth during puberty. This happens because the long bo

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