Anabolic Steroids: Effects, Risks, and Health Implications Report

This report examines anabolic steroids, addressing their effects and associated health risks. It explores the short-term and long-term consequences, including impacts on kidney and liver function, cardiovascular health, and hormonal imbalances in both men and women. The report also highli...Read More

Anabolic steroids
and
their effect

Research Question:
What are anabolic steroids and what are
the effects/risks associated with the
consumption of anabolic steroids?

Introduction
• Anabolic steroids are synthetic steroids that resembles
testosterone (Reardon and Creado 2014).
• It was first used in Germany in 1935 for the depression.
• Congress passed the “Anabolic Steroid Act of 1990” to stop
the misuse of the steroids (NIDA 2019).
• It is prescribed to patients suffering from male hormonal
imbalance issues.
• It is also prescribed in cases of cancer and AIDS.

Short Term Effects
Effects
(Reardon and
Creado 2014)
Mania
Body swelling
Acne
ParanoidJealousyAggression
Delusion
Irritability
Impaired
judgment

Long Term Effects
Effects
(McVeigh
and Begley
2017)
Kidney Issue
High blood
pressure
High blood
cholesterol
Blood Clotting
Heart Attack
Liver Damage

Effects On Men
Shrinkage of testicles
Breast development
Baldness
Decrease in sperm count
Risk of prostate cancer (NIDA 2019)

Effects on females
Menstrual cycle complications
Decreased breast size
Baldness and Growth of facial hair
Enlarged clitoris
Deepened voice (NIDA 2019)

Effects On Teenagers
•About 0.1%- 0.5% of the teenager population aged (16- 24
years ) rely on the use of anabolic steroids (Gov.uk 2019).
•Effects observed on teenagers include:
• Stunted growth
• Hindered muscle and bone growth
(NIDA 2019)

References
Gov.uk 2019. Drug Misuse: Findings from the 201 5/16 Crime Survey for England and Wales. [online]
Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Available at:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment
_data/file/564760/drug-misuse-1516.pdf [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].
McVeigh, J. and Begley, E., 2017. Anabolic steroids in the UK: An increasing issue for public
health. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 24(3), pp.278-285.
National Institute on Drug Abuse 2019. Anabolic Steroids. [online] Drugabuse.gov. Available at:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].
National Institute on Drug Abuse 2019. Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing
Drugs (APEDs). [online] Drugabuse.gov. Available at:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-
performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-history-anabolic-steroid-use [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].
Reardon, C.L. and Creado, S., 2014. Drug abuse in athletes. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 5,
p.95.