Period 1 Physiology, Ms. Middleton Miguel Silva, Ethan Rivas At The Clinic Scenario: Endocrine System #5

#5 What are the possible harmful effects of using anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and strength?

What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles. Anabolic steroids also have androgenic properties, including the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. Deepening of voice.. (etc) They are used therapeutically in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite, induce male puberty, and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS.

Harmful effects! Brain- Often steroids have been used as an excuse for a person’s aggressive behavior (increase in testosterone). Users have also been affected with psychotic syndromes and a high level of anxiety. Other effects: high levels of paranoia, various stages of depression, with some users suffering extreme mood swings, and also changes in their personality. A large number of users become dependant on steroid use which then can lead to addiction.

Heart problems - The steroid user should be most concerned. Steroid use causes heart disease and becomes evident due to high increases in total cholesterol levels, causing a build up of cholesterol on the walls of the blood vessels which can also lead to strokes. Also shown is a decrease in the levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) and increase in the bad cholesterol (LDL). Blood pressure is known to increase and blood clots in blood vessels disrupting the blood flow causing damage to the heart muscle leading to heart attacks. Good Cholesterol (HDL) - Carries cholestrol away from arteries and back to the liver where it is removed from body. Bad Cholestrol (LDL) – Circulates in the blood and slowly builds up on inner arterie walls. Steroids increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL)

Feminization in men: Gynocomastia Breast development (Gynocomastia) from steroid use is a very common and an often seen side effect of long term steroid cycles or high dose steroid use, causes a formation of breast tissue which begins as visible lumps under the nipples that normally requires surgical intervention. The breasts of female steroid users can actually shrink in size. Excessive testosterone is converted into female hormone estrogen.

Masculinization in women -This happens more frequently in females and is usually due to increased testosterone. The mostly irreversible side effects include increased facial hair, male-pattern baldness, increased acne, changes in skin texture, growth of facial and body hair, aggressiveness, and irritability.

Effects after stopping use of Anabolic steroids? Reproductive system effects can be reversed with the discontinuation of the drugs after time. Gynocomastia to reverse side effect might need surgical intervention. Don’t take steroids the side effects are to dangerous working out the normal way is safer.

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