The short-term side effects in men are reversible with discontinuation of steroid use. Masculinizing effects seen in women, such as deepening of the voice, body and facial hair growth, enlarged clitoris, and baldness are not reversible. The long-term adverse physical effects of anabolic steroid abuse in men and in women, other than masculinizing effects, have not been studied, and as such, are not known.
However, it is speculated that possible long-term effects may include adverse cardiovascular effects such as heart damage and stroke. Under this legislation, anabolic steroids are defined as any drug or hormonal substance chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone other than estrogens, progestins, and corticosteroids that promotes muscle growth.
The possession or sale of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is illegal. If this is the second felony drug offense, the maximum period of imprisonment and the maximum fine both double. While the above listed penalties are for federal offenses, individual states have also implemented fines and penalties for illegal use of anabolic steroids.
Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League NFL , and National Hockey League have banned the use of steroids by athletes, both because of their potential dangerous side effects and because they give the user an unfair advantage. The IOC and professional sports leagues use urine testing to detect steroid use both in and out of competition.
A variety of non-steroid drugs are commonly found within the illicit anabolic steroid market. These substances are primarily used for one or more of the following reasons: 1 to serve as an alternative to anabolic steroids; 2 to alleviate short-term adverse effects associated with anabolic steroid use; or 3 to mask anabolic steroid use. Examples of drugs serving as alternatives to anabolic steroids include clenbuterol, human growth hormone, insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate GHB.
Examples of drugs used to treat the short-term adverse effects of anabolic steroid abuse are erythropoietin, human chorionic gonadotropin HCG , and tamoxifen. Also, diuretics and uricosuric agents may be used to mask steroid use. Over the last few years, a number of metabolic precursors to either testosterone or nandrolone have been marketed as dietary supplements in the U. These dietary supplements can be purchased in health food stores without a prescription. But some people misuse anabolic steroids.
Some bodybuilders and athletes use anabolic steroids to build muscles and improve athletic performance. They may take the steroids orally, inject them into muscles, or apply them to the skin as a gel or cream. These doses may be 10 to times higher than doses used to treat medical conditions. Using them this way, without a prescription from a health care provider, is not legal or safe.
Misuse of anabolic steroids, especially over a long period of time, has been linked to many health problems, including. Most steroids used by athletes are smuggled, stolen or made in illegal labs. Veterinary drugs are often used. Anabolic steroids come in the form of tablets, capsules, a solution for injection and a cream or gel to rub into the skin. Weightlifters and bodybuilders who use steroids often take doses that are up to times greater than those used to treat medical conditions.
Regimented methods of taking steroids are believed to enhance the effects of these drugs and lessen harm to the body. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Such methods include the following:. Most anabolic steroid use is non-medical. The main users are athletes—to improve their performance—and bodybuilders and young men—to develop a more muscular appearance. Steroid use has also been found among people who have experienced abuse or assault who wish to build muscles in order to protect themselves better. Steroid use is banned by the International Olympic Committee and many other amateur and professional sports organizations.
Regular mandatory testing is standard only at the international level of competition. A survey of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported that 1. Steroids can produce a variety of psychological effects ranging from euphoria to hostility. Some people who take steroids say the drugs make them feel powerful and energetic. Scientific research has yet to demonstrate a link between steroids or HGH and brain cancer. Smith, whose ascent in the sport came only after she began training with her husband, a discus thrower who is himself on probation for failing a drug test, later tries to dilute with whiskey her sample for a surprise drug test at her home.
She is suspended for four years. A stash of such substances, including erythropoietin EPO , a substance that increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, is discovered in a search of the team masseur's car. Another six of the 21 teams voluntarily drop out of the Tour, citing unfair police tactics and mistreatment of participants.
Over three weeks the initial field of cyclists is reduced to fewer than Richard Virenque, a Festina rider who confessed to using banned substances, is suspended from international competition for nine months. Potential risks of blood doping include blood clots, strokes and thromboses.
I don't think using steroids is one of them. More than 30 elite athletes are ultimately subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in San Francisco. In it, the retired outfielder speaks of his own rampant steroid use starting at age 20 and of alleged use by home run kings Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
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