Steroids are a type of performance-enhancing drug that have anabolic effects as well as androgenic effects. Anabolic means promoting muscle synthesis, whereas androgenic effects can include increased muscle and bone mass. These performance-enhancing steroids that are synthetic derivatives of testosterone are used in competitive sports, bodybuilding, and other forms of athletics to increase strength or physique. The names may vary, but the most common brand names include Anavar, Winstrol, Halotestin, and Trenbolone. These steroids are usually injected.
Examples of performance-enhancing steroids include:
- Testosterone
- Methyltestosterone
- Androstenedione
- Danazol
The use of these drugs is also referred to by the name juicing or doping.
How Do Steroids Work?
Everyone - both males and females have testosterone in their bodies, though males have it in higher quantities. Testosterone is known to enhance and promote the appearance of several male secondary sexual characteristics. Besides, it can increase one's muscle and bone strength. Performance-enhancing steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. However, these steroids are different from testosterone because they have a higher anabolic index as compared to testosterone. The anabolic index is a measure of how much muscle building occurs in a particular drug. The higher a drug's anabolic index is, the more powerful it is. These steroids are used to increase muscle mass, bone density, fat-free body mass, and strength, all of which are known to improve one's athletic performance. However, these steroids are banned by the NCAA and other sporting organizations.
The Consequences of Doping
Physical side effects
Performance-enhancing steroids can cause a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. This can cause a variety of physical health problems, including dizziness, headaches, and insomnia.
The other common physical side effects of the use of these performance-enhancing drugs include the following:
- Acne
- Scars or stretch marks
- Hair loss in males
- Deepened voice in females
- Excessive hair growth in the body and face in females
- Irregular periods in females
- Erectile dysfunction and infertility
- Breast enlargement in both males and females
- Shrinking of the testicles
Mental side effects
Using performance-enhancing steroids can cause numerous mental side effects. Some of these include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Health risks
Health Issues
The use of performance-enhancing drugs is also known to cause life-threatening issues like the following:
- Liver and heart problems
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Cancer
- Digestive problems
Testing For Performance-enhancing Drugs
If players are found to be taking performance-enhancing drugs, they could be banned or suspended from competition.
Doping In Professional Sports
Despite bans and suspensions, many athletes still rely on performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Doping is banned by ALL major sports organizations, including the NCAA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA. Athletes who are found to be using PEDs are subject to suspension, fines, and loss of endorsement deals.
Professional athletes are frequent targets for drug testing by sports organizations.
How To Prevent Doping In Sports
To prevent doping in sports, athletes, coaches, and doctors should all work together. Athletes should feel comfortable talking to doctors about anything they don't understand. Doctors should take the time to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any medication that an athlete takes. Athletes should never use performance-enhancing drugs unless a doctor prescribes them.
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