Anabolic Steroids Have On The Body - 1637 Words

Anabolic androgenic steroids are a synthetic version of testosterone which one injects into the body. There are many different types of steroids however the most commonly abused are stimulants, HGH (Human Growth Hormone), diuretics, and testosterone. Although the body naturally produces testosterone many athletes, especially bodybuilders, take steroids to increase lean muscle mass, strength, and performance. Anabolic androgenic steroids are a controversial topic within sports. The main concern with steroids are the long term health effects that it has on the athletes. One of the many questions that have been asked by medical specialist are if training and diet of the person taking anabolic steroids influences the body. Thus, studies have†¦show more content†¦Anabolic androgenic steroids play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry and have many beneficial effects on sick patients. According to the Parssinen and Seppala the authors of the article â€Å"Steroid Use and Long-Term Health Risks in Former Athletes† they state that â€Å"Anabolic steroids and testosterone are effective and well tolerated pharmaceutical agents when administered for proper medical indications such as androgen replacement therapy, osteoporosis, aplastic anemia, and cancer.† (Parssinen, Seppala, pg. 1). The issue is that the abuse of steroids have increased within athletes and many doctors are concerned of the adverse effects that it will have. Many studies have been conducted over the past few decades and have shown the harmful effects that steroids can have on an athlete’s body. In the article â€Å"Steroids in Combat Sports: Adverse effects on Health† written by Malik and Trainor they list some of the damaging effects it can have such as: â€Å"stoppage of bone growth resulting in growth retardation which is irreversible, increase risk of muscle injury, bone destruction, heart disease†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Malik, Trainor, and pg.1) the list goes on to include diseases such as cancer, and even death. Most people know that steroids have a harmful, and even deadly, effect on the body. However, Gerard Thorne in his book â€Å"Anabolic Primer† discusses and challenges the beliefs that many people have on steroid use. Thorne believes that there is a safer way to use the