You're an athlete. You play to win. You're always looking for a way to get an edge over your opponents. Steroids and performance enhancers aren't the answer. Read on to learn how these powerful drugs can cause serious harm and why the best athletes rely on smart training, practice, proper nutrition and sleep.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are powerful prescription drugs. Some athletes use them not for medical reasons but as a way to boost athletic performance and build muscle and body mass. They may be called
steroids, roids, juice, hype or
pump.
What do steroids do to the body?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids work by acting like the body's natural male hormone, testosterone. They are taken by mouth (pills), by injection, or on a patch placed onto the skin.
Some athletes take very large doses, called "megadoses." Others increase how much they take over time, called "pyramiding." Some "cycle" on and off steroids. Taking different kinds of steroids together, sometimes with other drugs, is called "stacking."
Steroid use is dangerous, so it has been banned by most professional and amateur athletic organizations. These organizations include the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Football League.
Are prescription corticosteroid medicines different?
Some people confuse anabolic-androgenic steroids with
corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a very different type of steroid used to treat diseases like asthma, arthritis and other medical conditions.
How is steroid use harmful to athletes?
Anabolic steroid use always causes bad side effects. They can really mess up your body. Megadoses do not give faster results, and using in cycles is not safer. Stacking is dangerous.
Even though some of the side effects go away when you stop using steroids, some may not.
Steroid side effects for teens of any sex include:
Acne, especially on the face and back
Baldness
High blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol and heart disease
Blood clots and stroke
Sleep problems
Liver damage or liver cancer
Headaches, aching joints and muscle cramps
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Slowdown of growth in athletes who are still developing
Increased risk for ligament and tendon injuries
Impotence (inability to get an erection) and breast and nipple growth (for teens assigned male at birth)
Breast shrinkage, more face and body hair, and menstrual problems (for teens assigned female at birth)
Harm to the mind and mental health, including
"Roid rage"—severe, aggressive behavior that may lead to fighting or destroying property
Severe mood swings
Hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that are not really there
Paranoia—extreme feelings of mistrust or fear
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and thoughts of suicide
In addition, injecting steroids with a needle and sharing needles with others puts you at higher risk for serious infections like hepatitis or HIV infection.
What are sports performance enhancers?
Besides steroids, some athletes use other substances that they think will make them better athletes. Some are illegal. All are unsafe. None can take the place of a good strength and conditioning program and a well-balanced diet.
Some common sports "performance enhancers" and their known effects include:
Androstenedione (also called
andro)—an over-the-counter supplement that claims to build muscle and increase strength (although scientific studies have shown it doesn't). It poses the same risks as steroids. Andro has been banned by most major sport organizations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Creatine—an over-the-counter supplement that claims to build muscle and bulk. Can cause muscle and stomach cramps and dehydration. While not legally banned, its use is prohibited by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Ephedra—a supplement that claims to burn fat and help you lose weight. Can cause heart attacks, stroke, seizures, and sudden death. Banned by all major sports organizations and the FDA.
Protein supplements—over-the-counter supplements that claim to build muscle and bulk. Can cause serious kidney problems from protein overload. Not banned at this time.
It is important to know that these substances are considered dietary supplements, so they are not approved by the FDA. That means they are not tested by the FDA to see if they really work or are safe.
Winning healthy
Keep in mind that athletic ability comes from a combination of things like your body size, age, gender, diet and proper training—not just strength or muscle mass. Here are ways to stay healthy:
Train, practice and play safely (do not take drugs; wear protective gear; set realistic goals).
Get training, coaching and advice from reliable professionals.
Eat and sleep well.
Remember to schedule recommended health visits with your doctor. Ask questions, if you have them.
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