Download Steroids

Steroids
Lesson 1 - DHQ
What do you know
about steroids?
What are steroids?
Similar to certain hormones in the body
The body produces steroids naturally to
promote growth and development
Corticosteroids are prescribed by doctors
and are used to dampen overactive
immune responses (allergic reactions or
rashes) and reduce swelling
Anabolic Steroids
Artificially produced
hormones
Nearly identical to male
sex hormones, like
testosterone
100+ variations
How do anabolic steroids work?
Stimulate muscle tissue to grow
and “bulk up” in response to training
Mimic the effect of naturally
produced testosterone in the body
The hormone testosterone is
responsible for increasing muscle
mass
Dangers of Anabolic Steroids
If used by people who are not physically
mature, it prevents bones from fully
maturing
Mood swings (“roid” rage)
Personality changes (depression,
aggressive tendencies)
Enlarged heart
Increased chance of heart attack
Liver damage
Specific risks for females
Because of hormonal disturbances
there could be:
– Increased facial hair growth
– Deepening of the voice
– Shrinking of breasts
– Loss of feminine characteristics
– Menstrual cycle changes
Specific risks for males
Decrease in testosterone which leads
to:
– Decreased sperm count: can lead to
infertility
– Enlargement of male breasts
– Prostate gland enlargement
Are steroids illegal?
“Yes, without a doctor's prescription for a medical
condition, it's against the law to possess, sell, or
distribute anabolic steroids.”
“Under federal law, first-time simple possession
of anabolic steroids carries a maximum penalty of
one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. For firstoffense trafficking in steroids, the maximum
penalty is five years in prison and a fine of
$250,000. Second offenses double this penalty.”
www.webmd.com
Anabolic Steroid Use
Steroids are commonly associated
with athletes trying to improve their
performance
It is speculated that around 20% of
professional athletes and it is most
likely higher than that
Steroid users know how to “beat the
system” when it comes to drug
testing
…continued
Anabolic steroids increase muscle
mass and strength, but aerobic
endurance appears to be unaffected
Not just athletes take anabolic
steroids…
– Many non athletes take steroids for
cosmetic reasons
Human Growth Hormone
Only legal when prescribed
Doctors prescribe hGH for people
whose bodies don’t naturally make
enough growth hormone (growth
hormone deficiency)
Can only be injected
Recent trends show an increase in
growth hormone being abused as an
athletic supplement
Studies have shown little effect on
increasing muscle mass and strength
Most of the increase in mass is due
to water retention
Risks of Growth Hormone use
Bones and skin thickening,
broadening of the hands, feet and
face
Muscle and joint weakening
Internal organs enlarging
Heart disease
Diabetes
Steroids in the Sports Arena
Marion Jones – Olympic Track Athlete
Barry Bonds – professional baseball
player, hit 762 home runs.
Mark McGwire
Sammy Sosa
Roger Clemens
Lance Armstrong
Previously won the Tour de
France seven consecutive times from
1999 to 2005, but was stripped of
those victories in 2012 after a
protracted doping scandal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
2jtDH-10m2s