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An Abridged Report on Anabolic Steroids

by Geoffrey Vail Brown

Contents

Introduction

Properties

Oral vs. Injectable

Side Effects

Use in Teenagers

Alternatives

Medical Uses

Works Cited

Introduction

Since ancient history, many athletes have resorted to performance enhancing aids to give them an edge on their opponents. Greek Olympians used strychnine and hallucinogenic mushrooms to psych up for an event (Schrof, 54). In 1886 a French cyclist was the first athlete to die from using a performance enhancer, called speedballs, a mixture of cocaine and heroin. In the 1920's, physicians inserted slices of monkey testicles into male athletes to help boost vitality. In the 1930's Aldof Hitler allegedly administered the hormone testosterone to himself and his troops to increase aggressiveness (Schrof, 54). Athletes had already begun using the male hormone testosterone to boost performance by the 1940's. The first synthetic anabolic steroid was developed in 1953, having a strength building effect five times stronger than the natural hormone testosterone (Schwarzenegger, 723). Not since the development of the anabolic steroid has any performance enhancer been so effective and so desired by athletes. Today, black market sales of anabolic steroids are topping $400 million per year. One million Americans, half of them adolescents, use black market steroids (Schrof, 54).

Properties of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds that resemble the natural male sex hormone testosterone. Male hormones have two different effects in the body. Hormones have an anabolic effect, which stimulates growth, and they have an androgenic effect, which increases male sexual characteristics. Anabolic steroids are constructed synthetically to maximize the anabolic (growth) effect and minimize the androgenic (male characteristic) effect.
Steroids are molecules that occur naturally in the body and are carried in the bloodstream and act as messengers. The most important of these messages tell the body to increase creatine phosphate synthesis and to increase protein synthesis (Schwarzenegger, 722). These messages are delivered at various ratios depending upon the type of steroid.
Creatine phosphate and protein synthesis are the two most important reactions that occur when training. Creatine phosphate is a short-term energy restorer which allows you to contract your muscles for more than just a few seconds. The more CP available, the more muscular work you can do, thus the harder you can train and the more muscle you will build. This, along with the need for protein synthesis, is the reason for the attraction to steroids.
There are hundreds of forms of steroids that have been synthesized, each one having differing levels of anabolic and androgenic effects. Some steroids are used to treat illness and injury. Corticosteriods are one of the most successful forms that have been synthesized. They are used to treat everything from tendon injuries to vision problems. There are many other forms of steroids that were synthesized for their strength and muscle building properties.

Oral and Injectable Steroids

Dianabol is one of the most popular and potent forms of steroids used today (Telander, 56). Dianabol is taken orally and floods the body with over one hundred times its natural testosterone. Winstrol-V is another popular form of steroid. The Canadian record shattering sprinter, Ben Johnson, tested positive for the oral steroid Winstol-V in the Seoul Olympics. Steroids can also be taken through syringe, though each method has its share of side effects and drawbacks.
Oral steroids have many drawbacks. Oral steroids, like Dianabol, are constructed to have short life spans and are broken down all at once. Because of this, oral steroids put a tremendous strain on the liver. For example, if a user takes 200 mg of an oral steroid, the liver must destroy the entire 200 mg in one day (Schwarzenegger, 724). Taking oral steroids may also lead to blood sugar problems.
Injectable steroids are chemically constructed to have longer life spans. 200 mg of an injectable is constructed to last 17 days, meaning that the body will breakdown only 12 mg per day, which is much easier on the body (Schwarzenegger, 724). Injectable steroids bypass the liver and go directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, they are faster acting.
Another drawback to taking steroids by injection, many users complain, is that it must be administered with huge syringes. The user must insert the needle 1.5 to 2 inches into the muscle of the thigh or buttocks. The deeper the depth of the needle, the less of the steroid that leaks through the skin. "Sometimes one of the guys will inject in one side of his butt one day and the other the next. Then, we all laugh at him because he can barely sit down for he next three days," said a 19 year old teenager from Arizona (Schrof, 57).

Other Side Effects

To date, the overall side effects caused by steroids have not been fully determined. Steroids are known to have effects on the cardiovascular system, testosterone production, liver function, and neurologic functions.
Prolonged, high doses of steroids can have serious effects on the liver. Some of these include, progressive cholestatis and jaundice, peliosis hepatitis, hemorrhaging, and the possibility of liver cancer (Schwarzenegger, 726). These problems are especially noticeable in users who take oral steroids.
Prolonged use of steroids can also lead to changes in the clotting mechanism of the blood, in the metabolism of glucose, and in triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition to this, fat metabolism can also become altered. To avoid excessive fat buildup, a problem that steroids often cause, users are recommended to stay on a strict, low fat diet.
Steroids possibly have their biggest effect on the brain. Steroids also cause a marked increase in the level of cortisol, the body's major stress hormone (Schwarzenegger, 726). This can also lead to hypertension, stress and neurologic problems. Steroid users also experience higher levels of aggression, often called 'roid rages (Schwarzenegger, 726). A recent study has definitively shown that anabolic steroids can cause temporary mental problems, including mood swings and violent impulses (Time, 16). These aggressions can grow to pathological proportions. This has caused psychologists to become concerned. Another study done by Harvard researches concluded that one eighth of steroid users suffered from "bodybuilder's psychosis," with symptoms often including delusions and paranoia.
When a user floods his or her body with testosterone, mechanisms within the body attempt to regulate these changes and return the testosterone to its normal level. This may cause the body to shut done testosterone production. This can lead to changes in libido and sex drive (Schwarzenegger, 726). To offset this tendency, users often take steroids mixed with cocaine to boost their aggression and sexual arousal. Testosterone is the hormone that controls sex drive in both the sexes, and increasing these hormone levels by the hundreds can have serious effects.
Although steroids have been designed to have a lowered androgenic effect, the occurrence of androgenic side effects are common when steroids are used in prolonged duration. Users may notice an increase in facial and body hair, increased sebaceous secretions (oily skin), acne, priapism (persistent, often painful erection), thinning of scalp hair, and prostatic hypertrophy. Another serious symptom that must be considered by young users is premature epiphyseal closure (the closing off of the ends of bones prior to full maturity) (Schwarzenegger 726). Some steroid users begin at a young age, and using steroids may stunt their growth. When steroids are introduced to the body, a portion of the male hormone is converted to the female hormone estrogen. Over time, this may cause Gynecomastia, a development of breastlike tissue in males.
Women who use steroids for even short periods of time can notice subtle androgenic effects. One of Toronto's most successful steroid dealers describes its effects on women. "You take a good-looking woman and she goes on the 'roids," he told a MacLean's reporter, "she comes back in a few weeks and she's got a heavier beard than yours and a deeper voice," (48). Steroids cause an irreversible deepening of the voice and hair growth. Women can also notice a shrinking of the breasts, irregular periods and permanent enlargement of the clitoris. Women may also experience thinning of the scalp hair (Walsh, 55).
Steroid usage can also lead to a vicious cycle of dependency. Users commonly take the drug in cycles, usually lasting from four to eighteen weeks, followed by a break. During this off time, the body's suppression of the natural hormone can cause users to shrink up. This can cause users to panic and turn back to the drug in larger doses. Many bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions require that the athletes refrain from using steroids one year prior to competition. Users will notice quick results prior to the one year limit, but within this limit, minimal, if any, progress will be made. These results can be noticed in many users. One time Olympic 100 meter dash record holder Ben Johnson, now off steroids, can no longer qualify for any running event (Fotheringham, 52). This proves the effectiveness of steroids while an athlete is in a cycle. When the athlete is weaned, however, his or her ability suffers dramatically.
Some of the most common side effects are not as serious as those listed above. Users may experience muscle cramps and spasms associated with the rapid changes occurring within their muscles. Often, with oral steroids, users will experience gastrointestinal disorders including, loss of appetite, burning of the tongue, gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal irritation and a bloated feeling. Users may also experience headaches and nosebleeds, dizziness, faintness or drowsiness. Athletes who use injectable steroids often develop skin irritations.
Although many of the long term side effects have not been determined, the short term side effects can be harmful, even fatal. Athletes who choose to use steroids or other hormones must take into consideration the delicate balance of the body. When a new hormone is flooded into the body, a series of events will occur as the body tries to regain its natural balance. By altering the balance of the endocrine system users may be taking a big risk.

Steroid Usage in Teenagers

"Bury me massive" was the chant that could be heard from the University of Southern Carolina's football team a few years back (Telander, 56). Steroid usage has often been stereotyped to football players, weightlifters and bodybuilders. New research suggests that this is far from true. Instead, most heavy steroid users are middle class white males, 35% of which do not intend on participating in sporting events. 26% of high school age steroid users cited personal appearance as their primary motive for using the drug (Public Health Reports 2/3).
These new trends in steroid use have been attributed to the "new male image" that is being splashed throughout advertisements and magazines. Teenage males develop a desire for the lean, mean and muscular look exemplified by Calvin Klien models and others. The quickest way to success is through anabolic steroids. Many of these teenagers will risk possibility of the side effects associated with steroid usage in exchange for respect (Deacon, 53).
Despite massive weight and muscle gains, many steroid users are never quite happy with their physique. This condition is being labelled as "reverse anorexia" by psychologists and doctors. "I have seen a kid gain 100 pounds in 14 months and still not be satisfied," reports Neil Carolan or BryLin Hospital in Buffalo (Schrof). Carolan has counseled over 200 teenage steroid users.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, once a steroid user himself, addresses the issue of teenage steroid use. "Teenagers should never take anabolic steroids in an attempt to build up the size and strength of their muscle structure. During the teenage years, young males are already in their most anabolic state, with testosterone flooding the system. Adding synthetic anabolic at this point is totally unnecessary" (725).

Alternatives to Anabolic Steroids

Because of the rigorous testing that athletes are put thorough by sports associations, many turn to various alternatives, both legal and illegal. Eight athletes in the 1992 Olympics tested positive for banned substances other than anabolic steroids (Ropp). Six of these athletes tested positive for clenbuterol, a veterinary drug. One tested positive for strychnine, which is a poison that can be stimulating in small doses. Another tested positive for norephedrine, another stimulant. Many athletes choose "nutritional supplements" which are less regulated by the RDA, but still boast anabolic enhancing effects. Many of these claims are without basis or research. Some steroid alternatives and performance enhancers include clenbuterol, gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GBH), Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO) (Ropp). Many athletes choose more readily available means to enhance their performance, such as adrenaline, alcohol, caffeine, chromium picconalate, cocaine, amphetamines, thyroid, oxygen, glycogen and aspirin.
Clenbuterol is a veterinary drug that is used to promote muscle growth in exhibition livestock. Though it has not been proven, Clenbuterol is assumed by many athletes to have anabolic enhancing effects. Clenbuterol also has serious side effects. Among these are an accelerated heart rate, muscle tremors, headache, dizziness, nausea, fever and chills. Serious cardiovascular complications can result from their usage. Long term side effects are still being studied (Ropp).
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, is another steroid alternative used by athletes. GHB is an investigational new drug that is used to depress the nervous system and induce sleep. GHB is touted to increase the production of human growth hormone, thus stimulating muscle growth. GHB is also considered a sleep aid. GHB can be found at many health food and drug stores (Ropp).
Because of the sleep inducing effects of GHB there is a high risk of inducing a coma, even in small doses. Other side effects include vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, seizure-like movements, unconsciousness, slowed heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, breathing difficulty and breathing cessation. The effects of GHB on the human body are still under investigation (Ropp).
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is another steroid alternative, possibly one of the most popular drug among bodybuilders and athletes today. HGH's only approved medical use is to treat pituitary dwarfism, though it is under investigation to treat other disorders.
HGH is obtained through human cadavers or recumbent DNA technology and is identical to the natural HGH created by the body. Many athletes believe that HGH increases muscle mass and strength, but its effects have not yet been proven.
Lyle Alzado, a former professional football player who died of his own steroid abuse, claims that HGH is the drug of choice among athletes today. The primary reason for its popularity is because HGH is not detectable by any drug tests.
Excessive levels of human growth hormone can cause acromegaly, or "Frankenstein syndrome", a condition that is characterized by excessive growth of the hands, feet and face. Acromegaly is fatal because of resulting heart disease and other metabolic problems (Ropp). Erythropoietin, or EPO, is another steroid alternative. EPO is used for treating anemias associated with chronic renal failure and zidvudine therapy in HIV infected patients. EPO stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood cells. The hormone is appealing to athletes because the grow tired less easily and it is undetectable thorough drug tests. EPO is not an anabolic enhancing drug, it effects stamina and the body's ability to absorb oxygen.
EPO is dangerous among marathoners and long-distance runners. As these athletes compete, they lose body fluid and their blood becomes thicker. This causes there blood to clot and "become the consistency of Jello" (Ropp).
FDA is currently researching the benefits of chromium for athletes. Chromium is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in apples, mushrooms and other foods. Chromium regulates the bodies supply of carbohydrates to the muscles and also stableize blood sugar (glycogen) levels. This allows athletes to maintain energy longer. Many athletes who have used chromium report an increase in muscle mass along with a sizable decreases in body fat. Many athletes use three to four times the recommended dosage (200mg per day is recommended). The effects of high doses of chromium have not been established, though no side effects have been reported with doses under 1000mg. Chromium is available at health food and drug stores.
Many athletes choose caffeine to boost their intensity while training and competing. In small doses caffeine is a mild stimulant. Larger doses, however, can be harmful. The International Olympic Committee is currently testing athletes for excessive levels of caffeine, which constitutes grounds for disqualification (Schwarzenegger, 727).
Thyroid is a necessity to training. Thyroid should only be taken by individuals with a thyroid deficiency. Use of thyroid by other individuals may cause an imbalance of the endocrine system with could cause even further difficulty in muscle and performance levels.
Often, athletes will recommend aspirin before training. The use of aspirin dulls the sensation in the muscles. As a result, warning signs of an injury often can go unnoticed. This is not recommended, and athletes should use extreme caution when using this method.
A high protein, high calorie diet is essential to bodybuilders weightlifters and athletes. Many athletes short themselves of protein and calories which can seriously limit performance and muscle growth. Protein is essential for protein synthesis, a reaction that occurs when muscles are put under heavy workloads. The more protein that is available during protein synthesis, the better the reaction and results on a cellular level (Schwarzenegger). This is a simple, safe and legal solution for determined athletes.

Medical Uses of Other Types of Steroids

So far, media has stressed more upon the negative effects of steroid use. Once the anabolic effects of synthetic steroids were realized athletes quickly caught on. Synthetic steroids, however, were originally created to treat illnesses and defiencies.
New research suggests that inhaled corticosteroids, a catabolic steroid which has an antinflammitory effect, can be used to treat mild asthma. In a study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, new asthma patients were treated with either high-doses of inhaled corticosteroids or inhaled bronchodiolators (budesonide) for two years. At the end of the two years, patients treated with steroids had better lung function, diminished airway hyperresponsiveness, fewer symptoms of asthma, and fewer episodes of uncontrolled asthma than the group treated with budesonide (737).
Many patients and physicians are hesitant due to the possible long term side effects resulting from this treatment. There is a considerable degree of accelerated bone loss in patients who use this treatment over an undetermined period of time. Research still remains to be done on the effects of high dose treatments before practical implementation of this treatment can be performed.
A recent study suggested that the use of steroids to treat inflamed optic nerves may delay the onset of multiple sclerosis (Pennisi, 390). Optic neuritis, a neurological symptom associated with multiple sclerosis can be treated with injectable steroids. Between 35 and 75 percent of those with optic neuritis later develop MS. Patients who were treated with injectable steroids regained their vision one full week faster than patients on regular treatments. Eventually, however, both sets of patients recovered equally.
Surprisingly, after two years only 7.5 percent of those who used steroid treatments later developed MS, compared with the 16.7 percent who developed MS that didn't take the steroids. However, this effect eventually wears off and both groups develop the disease at the same rate.
Another catabolic steroid, pregnelone, has been found to decrease memory loss (Omni, 36). Pregnelone is one of two precursor steroids which the body makes from cholesterol. The level of these steroids decrease as the body ages, dropping 80 to 90 percent from age 25 to 70 in both men and women. Restoring these steroids might decrease age related memory loss. Experiments conducted at St. Louis Veterans Administration Medical Center showed that mice were able to learn faster while on the steroid. Though a solution may be a long way off, this may offer new hope for restoring memory to Alzheimer's patients.
Steroids, as with most drugs, has its share of benefits and drawbacks. At its first introduction, steroids were touted as a miracle drug. Athletes were quick to jump to steroids after seeing their astonishing results, so communities have targeted sports enhancement as the main use of steroids. As with almost any drug, steroids will have its justified users and its abusers. Currently, the medical and psychological community is still lacking information regarding just how benefitting and how damaging steroids are. Only time will tell how much of a miracle steroids really are.

Works Cited

Deacon, James. "Biceps in a Bottle." Maclean's, June 2, 1994, Vol. 107 Issue 18, p52, 1p, 2c.

Drazen, Jeffrey M.; Israel, Elliot. "Treating Mild Asthma - When are Inhaled Steroids Indicated?" New England Journal of Medicine, September 15, 1994, Editorials

Fotheringham, Allan. "Men In Suits Demand A Deadly Price." Maclean's, September 7, 1992, Volume 105 Issue 36, p52.

"Health Report." Time, June 14, 1993, Vol. 141 Issue 24, p16, 1/3p, 1c.

"Man, He's No He-Man." Psychology Today, March/April 1993, Vol. 26 Issue 2, p23, 1/5p.

Noonan, Peggy. "Memory Steroid." Omni, December 1993, Vol. 16 Issue 3, p36, 1/2p, 1c.

O'Brien, Richard; Kirshenbaum, Jerry. "A Question of Substance." Sports Illustrated, January 25, 1993, Vol. 78 Issue 3, p9, 1/3p.

Pennisi, E. "Steroid Injections for Eye Ailment Slows MS." Science News, December 11, 1993, Vol. 144 Issue 24, p390, 2p.

Ropp, Kevin L. "No-Win Situation for Athletes." FDA Consumer, December 1992, Volume 26 Issue 10, p8.

Schrof, Joannie M. "Pumped Up." US News and World Report, June 1, 1992, Volume 112 Issue 21, p54.

Schwarzenegger, Arnold. "Anabolic Steroids and Ergogenic Aids." The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding. New York: Simon and Schuster. Pgs. 721-730.

Telander, Rick. "Mail Order Muscles." Sports Illustrated, November 22, 1993, Volume 79 Issue 21, p56.

Walsh, Kenneth T. "Schwarzenegger Speaks." US News and World Report, June 1, 1992, Volume 112 Issue 21, p54, (inset article).

"WHO Begins Research on Drugs and Sports." Public Health Reports, September/October 1992, Volume 107 Issue 5, p606.

Wood, Chris. "The Perils of Doping." Maclean's, July 27, 1992, Volume 105 Issue 30, p48.

Note: The author of this document and Bodybuilding Fanatic do not condone steroid use.