by Joseph Edwin Pineda

Created on: November 02, 2008

Misconceptions and Dangers Associated with Steroids Usage

Steroids and Misconceptions

Drugs generally referred to steroids' can be categorized as corticosteroids and anabolic. Corticosteroids are drugs that doctors usually prescribe for controlling inflammation in the human body. They are mostly used to help specific conditions like lupus and asthma. They are not similar to the anabolic steroids that attract a huge media attention because of their usage by some bodybuilders and athletes. Anabolic steroids referred to as synthetic hormones have the ability to boost the human body's capability in producing muscles and preventing their breakdown. (Roberts 221-234)

Some athletes use steroids with the hope of improving their capability to hit farther, run faster, lift extra weight, jump relatively higher and have more stamina or patience. In most of the countries, including United States, the usage of anabolic steroids without doctor's prescription is against law. Androstenedione is a type of anabolic steroid that is used by athletes who wish to build their muscles. However, it is a misconception, as research suggests, that Androstenedione, if taken in large quantity or doses every day, can increase testosterone level significantly, ultimately leading to different health problems. Steroids usage can cause the liver to develop tumor or increase chances of heart attacks ultimately shortening the life. Steroids can cause hair loss and affect user's reproductive organs. Moreover abusers of steroids can become more violent and angry, aggressive in behavior. (Burns)

A specific research made in this regard hypothesized that Testosterone supplementation in male induces fiber hypertrophy of muscle. (Sinha-Hikim, Indrani, Roth, Lee and Bhasin) Testosterone, directs the human body to enhance or produce male features like facial hair growth, increase muscle power and deepening of the voice. It is a significant element of male development in the phase of puberty. When the testosterone level is increased by anabolic steroids in the blood, they rouse muscle tissue in the human body to grow stronger and larger. However, the overall effects of excess testosterone circulating in the human body can be harmful and dangerous over time.

Other misconception about steroids includes a general opinion that steroids, in fact, do not effect growth of human body. Adolescents and teenagers who abuse anabolic steroids are exposed to a risk, throughout their lives, of remaining short and not reaching

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