Download semester 4 grading period 2 study guide File

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
SEMESTER 4, GRADING PERIOD 2
STUDY GUIDE
PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES - STEROIDS
What are Steroids?
Drugs commonly referred to as steroids can be classified as anabolic (anabolic-androgenic) steroids or
corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, such as cortisone or prednisone are drugs that doctors often prescribe to help
control inflammation in the body. Corticosteroids are not the same as the anabolic steroids that are often linked
with illegal use in sports.
Anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids) are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. They
are a class of drugs that are legally available only by prescription and are prescribed to treat a variety of
conditions that cause a loss of lean muscle mass.
Non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most major sports organizations. In January 2005,
the Anabolic Steroid Control Act was amended with the Controlled Substance Act that added anabolic steroids
and prohormones (a precursor to a hormone) to the list of controlled substances and makes possession of the
substances a federal crime. Still, some athletes continue to use them illegally despite evidence that using them
this way can cause many serious health problems.
How Do Anabolic Steroids Work?
Anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives that help the body metabolize ingested proteins and facilitate the
synthesis of skeletal muscle. They also delay fatigue and may create a feeling of euphoria.
Commonly Used Steroids
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Androstenedione (Andro)
Androstenedione (Andro) is a designer steroid often mentioned in relation with athletes, although there is
little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in improving sports performance. Andro is a supplement
made from a naturally occurring steroid hormone. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned
the sale of Andro due to increasing evidence that showed serious health risks to those using the substance.
Primobolan (Methenolone)
This banned steroid has been linked to several Major League Baseball players, including Alex Rodriguez. It
can be injected or taken in a tablet form. Primobolan has been a popular steroid among athletes because it
builds strength without muscle bulk, and without many of the negative side effects of other steroids.
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG)
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) is another designer steroid that has a similar chemical structure to other banned
steroids. It appears that THG was specifically manufactured so it would not be detected in doping tests. The
FDA banned the sale of THG in 2003, saying it was not a supplement but an unapproved drug, which makes
any sale or use of it illegal.
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Clenbuterol
Clenbuterol (Clen) is a selective beta-2 agonist/antagonist and a bronchodilator sometimes prescribed for
obstructive pulmonary disease. Like anabolic steroids it can increase lean muscle mass, but it also has
potentially serious side effects.
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DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural steroid prohormone that's produced by the adrenal glands. The
body then converts DHEA to male and female sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). DHEA supplements
have been marketed as anti-aging supplements but research on this is limited at this time.
DHEA supplements were taken off the U.S. market in 1985 and made available only by prescription. DHEA
was then reintroduced as a nutritional supplement in 1994 after the passing of the Dietary Supplement
Health and Education Act. DHEA is still considered a banned substance by many sports organizations and
athletes are cautioned about its use.
Other Banned Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are banned by all major sports bodies including the Olympics, the NBA, the NHL, and the NFL.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains an extensive list of all banned performance-enhancing
substances. Some include the following:
Oral Steroids
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Anadrol (oxymetholone)
Oxandrin (oxandrolone)
Dianabol (methandrostenolone)
Winstrol (stanozolol)
Injectable Steroids
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Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate)
Durabolin (nandrolone phenpropionate)
Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate)
Equipoise (boldenone undecylenate)
Why Athletes Take Steroids
The widespread use of anabolic steroids among athletes is in the hopes of improving performance. Although
drug testing is widespread, new designer drugs are made specifically to avoid detection. However, technology
continually evolves, blood and urine samples from years earlier are now being retested with new science and
exposing athletes who used illegal substances in the past.
How Do Athletes Take Steroids?
Steroids are taken in either pill form or injections. The most common dosing is done in cycles of weeks or
months, with a short break between. This is called "cycling." "Stacking" refers to the use of several different
types of steroids at the same time. "Pyramiding," involves slowly increasing the number, the amount or the
frequency of steroids to reach a peak and then gradually tapering the amount and frequency of the drug.
Doses taken by steroid abusers are often 10 to 100 times higher than what would be medically prescribed for
legitimate use.
Health Risk of Steroid Abuse
There are many health risks from the use and abuse of anabolic steroids.
Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse in Men
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infertility
breast development
shrinking of the testicles
male-pattern baldness
severe acne and cysts
Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse in Women
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Deeper voice
enlargement of the clitoris
excessive growth of body hair
male-pattern baldness
severe acne and cysts
Other Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
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delayed growth in adolescents
tendon rupture
increased LDL cholesterol
decreased HDL cholesterol
high blood pressure
heart attacks
enlargement of the heart's left ventricle
cancer
jaundice
fluid retention
HIV/AIDS
hepatitis
"roid rage" - rage and aggression
mania
delusions
Anabolic Steroids and Withdrawal
Athletes who use steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit. The symptoms include mood
swings, depression, fatigue and irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, and aggression. Depression can even lead
to suicide attempts, if untreated.