Anabolic steroids

Subject :Science and Technology

Section : Basic

Content:

Anabolic steroids are essentially lab-made versions of the male hormone testosterone.
They have a similar effect of increasing muscle mass as the natural hormone
It also increases male characteristics in a person, such as facial hair and a deeper voice.
However, anabolic steroids are very different from the steroids that are prescribed by doctors for inflammations, several autoimmune diseases, or to suppress the body’s immune system during a Covid-19 infection. These medicines are called corticosteroids and are lab-made molecules that mimic the action of the hormone called cortisol that controls the body’s stress response, metabolism, and inflammation.
Unlike corticosteroids, anabolic steroids have limited medical use. “Anabolic steroids are mainly misused by athletes and sportspersons nowadays.

How are anabolic steroids misused?

Misused mainly by those who want to bulk up as it helps increase one’s muscle mass.
Although no concrete estimate exists of the number of people using the drug across India, a 2018 study from Jammu and Kashmir found that 7.1 per cent of athletes used it.

What are the health impacts of anabolic steroids ?

Use of anabolic steroids in the short-term can cause acne and hairfall.
Extended misuse of the substance can also lead to gynaecomastia (growth of breasts in men) and erectile dysfunction.
In women, it can lead to growth of facial hair.
It may also cause extreme anger, paranoia, and impaired judgement.
Long-term use can lead to kidney disease and even failure, liver damage and tumours, enlarged heart, and high blood pressure.
It can also lead to stunted growth in teenagers.