The dangerous practice of steroid abuse in sports

What are steroids?

Steroids are a group of organic compounds with a structure made up of four fused rings of carbon atoms. Steroids occur naturally in the body and play a vital role in many physiological processes, including:

• Growth and development: Steroids are essential for the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other tissues.
• Reproduction: Steroids are involved in regulating reproduction, including ovulation, spermatogenesis, and development of sexual organs.
• Metabolism: Steroids play a role in regulating the metabolism of sugars, fats, and proteins.
• Immunity: Steroids have immunosuppressive properties and can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.

Steroids can be divided into two main groups:

• Anabolic steroids: Anabolic steroids are a class of steroids with an anabolic effect, meaning they stimulate muscle growth and development. Anabolic steroids are often misused for athletic purposes to increase muscle mass and strength.
• Gynecomastia-inducing steroids: Gynecomastia-inducing steroids are a class of steroids with a gynecomastia-inducing effect, meaning they can cause the development of female characteristics in males, such as breast enlargement.

Steroids can be taken orally, injected, or applied transdermally. Oral steroids are easiest to take but are metabolized faster and carry a higher risk of side effects. Injectable steroids are metabolized slower and have fewer side effects, but they are also more painful and difficult to administer. Transdermal steroids are applied to the skin and have the lowest risk of side effects, but they are also the slowest acting.

The use of steroids without a medical indication is illegal in most countries. Steroids can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, depression, and other mental health problems.

Here are some of the most common side effects of steroid use:

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
• Liver damage: Liver damage, including jaundice, hepatitis, and even liver cancer.
• Hormonal imbalances: In males, this includes impaired sperm production, gynecomastia, impotence, and aggression. In females, it can cause a deeper voice, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and menstrual irregularities.
• Psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, mania, and “roid rage” (aggressive outbursts).
• Other risks: Acne, ankle swelling, stunted growth (in young people), increased risk of infections, and a tendency for tendon ruptures.

Why is steroid use illegal in most countries?

The use of steroids for non-medical purposes, such as enhancing physical or aesthetic qualities, is illegal in most countries for several key reasons:

1. Health risks: While steroids can offer rapid results in building muscle mass and strength, they pose significant and potentially life-threatening health risks. These include:

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
• Liver damage: Liver damage, including jaundice, hepatitis, and even liver cancer.
• Hormonal imbalances: In males, this includes impaired sperm production, gynecomastia, impotence, and aggression. In females, it can cause a deeper voice, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and menstrual irregularities.
• Psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, mania, and “roid rage” (aggressive outbursts).
• Other risks: Acne, ankle swelling, stunted growth (in younger users), increased risk of infections, and a tendency for tendon ruptures.

Due to these significant and potentially fatal health risks, most countries prioritize public health and outlaw the non-medical use of steroids.

2. Inequality: Using steroids in sports competitions creates an unfair advantage for those who do so. This undermines the principle of fair play and makes competition unethical. Therefore, almost all sports organizations strictly prohibit steroid use and implement rigorous anti-doping tests to maintain the integrity of their sports.
3. Addiction and drug market: Steroid use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, driving people to misuse them, ultimately creating a black market for these dangerous substances. Banning steroids for non-medical purposes helps prevent the spread of this dangerous drug market.
4. Moral implications: Many people consider non-medical steroid use to be cheating and unethical. They argue that individuals should achieve physical results through hard work and dedication, not by using dangerous performance-enhancing drugs.

Based on these reasons, most countries have chosen to criminalize the sale and possession of steroids for non-medical purposes to protect public health, maintain fair play in sports, and prevent the societal problems associated with their unethical use.

It is important to note that there are situations where steroid use is legal and medically necessary for treating certain conditions, such as hypogonadism. In these cases, steroids should only be used under the supervision of a doctor to minimize the risk of complications.

Which steroids are most commonly used?

The most commonly used steroids are:

• Testosterone: This is the main male sex hormone and is responsible for muscle and bone development, as well as sexual function. Testosterone can be used medically to treat hypogonadism, but it is often misused for athletic and aesthetic purposes.
• Dianabol: This is a synthetic steroid first synthesized in 1955. Dianabol is very powerful and can lead to significant gains in muscle mass and strength. However, it also carries numerous side effects, including increased risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and aggression.
• Stanozolol: This is another synthetic steroid with high potency. Stanozolol is often used in bodybuilding and powerlifting. However, it also carries numerous side effects, including increased risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and gynecomastia (development of female characteristics in males).
• Nandrolone: This is another synthetic steroid commonly used in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Nandrolone is less potent than Dianabol and stanozolol but has fewer side effects.
• Boldenone: This is another synthetic steroid commonly used in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Boldenone is similar to nandrolone but slightly more potent.

These steroids can be taken orally, injected, or applied transdermally.

Oral steroids are the easiest to take but are metabolized faster and carry a higher risk of side effects.

Injectable steroids are metabolized slower and have fewer side effects, but they are also more painful and difficult to administer.

Transdermal steroids are applied to the skin and have the lowest risk of side effects, but they are also the slowest acting.

It is important to note that using steroids without a medical indication is illegal in most countries. Steroids can have serious health consequences, including increased risk of heart disease, cancer, depression, and other mental health problems.

New trends suggest men in their later years should take testosterone as it naturally declines after 30. What are the pros and cons of such therapy?

Testosterone therapy for men with declining testosterone levels (hypogonadism) in their later years is a controversial topic with diverse perspectives. While research supports some benefits, others highlight significant drawbacks and potential harm.

Benefits of testosterone therapy:

• Increased muscle mass and strength: A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed significant muscle mass and strength gains in hypogonadal men receiving testosterone therapy.
• Improved bone density: Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests testosterone therapy can halt bone loss and increase density in hypogonadal men with osteoporosis.
• Enhanced libido and sexual function: A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found testosterone can improve libido and erectile function in hypogonadal men with sexual dysfunction.
• Boosted energy and mental well-being: Some hypogonadal men experience decreased energy and depression. Testosterone therapy might improve mood and quality of life.

Drawbacks and potential harms of testosterone therapy:

• Increased risk of heart complications: A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found testosterone therapy could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in men with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.
• Elevated risk of prostate cancer: Research in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests testosterone therapy might accelerate cancer development in men with prostate cancer risk factors.
• Aggression and depression: In some men, testosterone therapy can trigger aggression, irritability, and worsen depression.
• Acne and swelling: Acne and swelling are common side effects of testosterone therapy.

It’s crucial to understand that testosterone therapy should only be undertaken under medical supervision after individual medical assessments and risk-benefit evaluation. Blood pressure monitoring, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and cardiovascular health assessment are key before and during therapy. The physician needs to closely monitor the patient and adjust the dosage or discontinue therapy if adverse effects or harm appear.

For further information, here are some relevant scientific studies:

• Bhasin, S., et al. (2005). Testosterone therapy in men with chronic heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(20), 2036-2046.
• Finkle, W. D., et al. (2014). Testosterone therapy and prostate cancer: a critical evaluation of the clinical evidence. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 99(5), 1551-1564.
• Malkin, C. J., et al. (2010). Testosterone deficiency and bone health in men. Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 95(8), 3445-3453.
• Wu, F. C., et al. (2010). Testosterone and mood in men. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303(15), 1511-1516

Does steroid use for sports mainly harm health? What positive and negative effects do they have on physical fitness, appearance, strength, and health?

Yes, steroid use primarily for sports is detrimental to health. Using anabolic steroids to improve physical abilities, appearance, and strength generally carries significant risks, while the positive effects are often exaggerated and temporary. Therefore, we will analyze the health effects, referencing relevant scientific research:

Negative health effects:

• Cardiovascular system: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined 61 athletic men and showed a significant increase in bad LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and a decrease in good HDL (“good”) cholesterol in those who used anabolic steroids. Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications is associated with long-term steroid use.
• Liver: Steroids can seriously damage the liver, causing jaundice, hepatitis, and even liver cancer. Research in the Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology showed that 32% of steroid users have abnormal liver function compared to only 2% in non-users.
• Hormonal system: Steroids disrupt natural hormone production. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed that male steroid users experience decreased testicular function and sperm production, increased gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), and increased aggression. In women, menstrual cycles may be disrupted, and development of male characteristics can occur.
• Psychological effects: Steroids can trigger significant psychological problems like “roid rage” (aggressive outbursts), depression, anxiety, and mania. A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that 58% of steroid users met the criteria for at least one diagnosable mental disorder compared to 13% for non-users.
• Other effects: Acne, ankle swelling, stunted growth (in younger users), increased risk of infections, and a tendency for tendon ruptures are also potential negative effects of steroid use.

Positive effects:

• Increased muscle mass: Research in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed that steroid users indeed experience significant gains in muscle mass in the short term. However, these gains are often accompanied by negative effects and are not sustainable without continuous steroid use, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence and risk.
• Increased strength: A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that steroids can increase strength by 5-15% in the short term. Still, this increase is not without consequences and needs to be weighed against potential long-term health problems.

Conclusion

Using anabolic steroids for sports poses an unnecessary health risk. The documented negative effects far outweigh the short-term positive effects, making steroid use unhealthy and irresponsible. If you aim to improve your physical abilities, focusing on healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest, is highly recommended.

For further information and scientific references, I recommend the following sources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

If steroids are harmful for sports use, how come people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone look good and healthy and have lived long lives?

It’s important to consider different perspectives on the claim that steroids are harmful for sports use and to view examples like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone with a critical eye.

Why steroids can be harmful:

• Scientific research: Extensive scientific research, as presented in the previous translation, clearly shows the detrimental health effects of steroids, including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, psychological effects, and more. The long-term effects can be significant and life-threatening.
• Addiction and withdrawal: Steroids can induce both physical and psychological dependence, leading to the need for increasing doses and difficulty in stopping their use. Withdrawal from steroids can cause depression, muscle loss, and other adverse effects.
• Inconsistency and dosage: Using steroids outside of a medically controlled environment often leads to inconsistent doses, increasing the risk of overdosing and amplifying negative effects.
• Individual variation: While steroids are harmful for most people, some individuals may experience less visible or delayed negative effects. However, the risk of long-term health problems remains and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Examples like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone:

• Limited information: The extent of Schwarzenegger and Stallone’s steroid use and its long-term health effects are not publicly available. Consider that they had access to top-tier nutritionists, training programs, and medical support, which most people who use steroids lack.
• Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition can play a role in individual responses to steroids. Schwarzenegger and Stallone may have been genetically predisposed to better tolerate steroids, which is not the case for everyone.
• Long-term effects still unknown: As of 2023, Schwarzenegger is 75 and Stallone is 76. Steroids’ long-term effects may manifest later in life, which is not yet evident in their cases.

Conclusion

While significant scientific evidence demonstrates the harmful effects of steroids on health, examples like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone shouldn’t be seen as proof that steroids are safe. Their individual cases do not negate the overall risks, and they should be considered with caution and full awareness of the potential consequences.

It’s crucial to focus on healthy and sustainable methods for improving natural physical abilities and appearance, without resorting to harmful substances like steroids.

What does arnold schwarzenegger say about steroid use?

Why was Ben Johnson’s gold medal in the 100m race taken away and when did it happen?

Ben Johnson had his gold medal in the 100m race at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul taken away because he tested positive for a doping test.

Johnson tested positive for stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid. He admitted to using steroids, but claimed he only did so to recover from an injury.

Johnson was suspended from athletics for four years and had to return his gold medal.

Johnson later admitted to using steroids throughout his career. He said it was a mistake and he regretted it.

This event was a major scandal in the world of athletics and led to stricter anti-doping regulations.

How can steroids affect the liver when taken by injection?

Steroids, regardless of whether they’re taken orally, injected, or applied transdermally, can damage the liver. However, steroid injections pose a specific risk because the steroids directly enter the bloodstream and reach the liver more quickly.

When steroids are taken orally, they must first pass through the digestive tract before being absorbed into the bloodstream. During this process, some of the steroids are broken down by the liver, which can still lead to damage.

Injecting steroids bypasses the digestive tract and directly delivers the steroids into the bloodstream. This increases the amount of steroid absorbed by the liver, thus increasing the risk of damage.

The liver is responsible for breaking down and detoxifying toxins in the blood. Steroids are toxic to the liver and can damage its cells. This can lead to various problems, including:

• Jaundice
• Hepatitis
• Liver cancer

The risk of liver damage from steroid injections is higher for people who have:

• Pre-existing liver damage
• Alcoholism
• Fatty liver disease
• Hepatitis B or C

To reduce the risk of liver damage, it’s crucial to take steroids only under the supervision of a doctor. They can monitor liver function and adjust steroid dosage to minimize the risk.

Here are some tips to further reduce the risk of liver damage from steroid injections:

• Take steroids only under the supervision of a doctor.
• Regularly monitor your liver function.
• Do not take more steroids than prescribed.
• Avoid alcohol and other liver toxins.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.