What are Steroids?

 Steroids are defined as any of a number of natural or synthetic substances that regulate body function.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids -- or more precisely, anabolic-androgenic steroids -- are the synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male anabolic hormone testosterone. Both anabolic and androgenic have origins from the Greek: anabolic, meaning "to build," and androgenic, meaning "masculinizing." Testosterone's natural androgenic effects trigger the maturing of the male reproductive system in puberty, including the growth of body hair and the deepening of the voice. The hormone's anabolic effect helps the body retain dietary protein, which aids in the development of muscles. "Although there are many types of steroids with varying degrees of anabolic and androgenic properties, it's the anabolic property of steroids that lures athletes," says Dr. Wadler. "They take them to primarily increase muscle mass and strength."

Anabolic steroids are occasionally used in the treatment of anaemia and to help patients recover muscle that has atrophied after a long period of bed rest. They can be taken in tablet form, but they are more likely to be injected directly into the muscle in the form of an oily liquid. They are usually taken in a variety of combinations over periods of six to eight weeks.

How are steroids taken?

Steroids can be taken orally or they can be injected. Those that are injected are broken down into additional categories, those that are very long-lasting and those that last a shorter time. In recent years, use has shifted to the latter category -- shorter-lasting, water-soluble injections. "The reason for that is that the side effects associated for the oral form were discovered to be especially worrisome for the liver,"says Dr. Wadler. "But the injectable steroids aren't free of side-effects either. There is no free ride and there is a price to be paid with either form."

Who takes anabolic steroids and why?

It is not only the football player or weightlifter or sprinter who may be using anabolic steroids. Nor is it only men. White- and blue-collar workers, females and, most alarmingly, adolescents take steroids -- all linked by the desire to hopefully look, perform and feel better, regardless of the dangers.

Anabolic steroids are designed to mimic the bodybuilding traits of testosterone. Most healthy males produce less than 10 milligrams of testosterone a day. Females also produce testosterone but in minute amounts. Some athletes however, may use up to hundreds of milligrams a day, far exceeding the normally prescribed daily dose for legitimate medical purposes. Anabolic steroids do not improve agility, skill or cardiovascular capacity.

What are the risks?

The regular use of anabolic steroids can lead to liver failure and raised blood pressure. Risks for men include: the reduction of sperm output and quality, and in some cases sterility, the loss of sex drive, erection problems, the shrinking of testicles, the growth of breasts and acne. Risks for women include: the growth of body and facial hair, shrinking of breasts, possible risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, menstrual problems and the deepening of the voice.

Users can also be affected by sleep disorders, depression and paranoia . And although the drug is not addictive, regular use can lead to a feeling of performing poorly when not taking the steroids. If injected there's a risk of infection from diseases transmitted through contaminated needles.

Behavioral side effects

According to Dr. Wadler, anabolic steroids can cause severe mood swings. "People's psychological states can run the gamut." says Wadler. "They can go from bouts of depression or extreme irritability to feelings of invincibility and outright aggression, commonly called "'roid rage. This is a dangerous state beyond mere assertiveness."

Are anabolic steroids addictive?

Recent evidence suggests that long-time steroid users and steroid abusers may experience the classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms. "Addiction is an extreme of dependency, which may be a psychological, if not physical, phenomena," says Dr. Wadler. "Regardless, there is no question that when regular steroid users stop taking the drug they get withdrawal pains and if they start up again the pain goes away. They have difficulties stopping use even though they know it's bad for them."