Steroids , whats the BIG deal?

It seems that the youth of today have become increasingly interested in the use of steroids, not only in our community but nationwide the high schools are having problems with steroid usage amongst their learners.

Steroids are usually used amongst athletes as a performance enhancer to continue to compete at elite level although this is neither normal nor ethical, it still happens. However it’s not only elite athletes who use steroids, a large portion of steroid users are unsatisfied with their bodies and use these drugs, yes drugs, that’s what they are, for cosmetic purposes, other uses may be victims of manorexia (obsession with getting big) or individuals that are just plain lazy and couldn’t be bothered putting the time in at the gym to achieve the desired body.

The saddest part is that these drugs are readily available to youth who are completely oblivious to the many side effects and health hazards.

Anabolic steroids are defined as almost identical to the sex hormones found in males (testosterone), these steroids have anabolic properties, (anabolic meaning building), this leads to the acceleration of the development of muscles as well as maturation of the bone.

These drugs imitate the effect that the male sex hormones (testosterone and dihyrotestosterone) by promoting and enhancing protein synthesis in the cells which results in the build up of cellular tissue particularly within the muscles, leading to muscular hypertrophy (growth).

Anabolic steroids also have androgenic (masculinising) properties such as deepening of the voice and excessive hair growth.

Even though these substances are performance enhancers ,they are banned by multiple sports union worldwide, such as Sport and Recreation South Africa(SRSA) as well as the international Olympic committee , being caught for the use of these drugs carries heavy penalties even so far as life time bans.

Apart from the legal aspects involved with the use of these drugs, there are far more serious physiological effect these drugs have on the human body which in the worst case could result in death.

Despite the highly publicised negative side effects that these drugs have on the human body, many people still make use of these substances and believe that these negative effects are just “old wives tales”.

Side effects include:

Anabolic steroid use amongst individuals that are not physically mature can result in premature closing of the epiphyses (growth points) on the long bones, humerus and femur, this limits the potential growth of an individual.

The most commonly known side effect of steroid use is the reduced secretion of gonadotropin hormones, these are the hormones control both the functioning and development of the testes and ovaries.

· In males this leads the testicular atrophy (shrinking), lower sperm count and impotence, Steroid use also reduces natural testosterone production as it is supplied through drugs, this reduction in the primary male sex hormone may also result in breast tissue development.

· In females, the menstrual cycle is disturbed and may even stop due to high levels of male hormones in the body, ovulation does not take place, effecting a female ability to conceive. Altering the female hormone levels can result in masculinising effects such as , breast size reduction, deepening voice, unwanted hair growth and clitoris enlargement

In both males and females anabolic steroid use can result in abnormal growth of the heart or there may be a reduction in heart size. Anabolic steroid use may also predispose one to myocardial infarction (heart attack), abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure.

There are also psychological effects associated with anabolic steroid use, most common is anger management problems colloquially known as “roid rage”. Depression from steroid use has also been noted and in extreme cases leading to suicide.

A tell tale sign of steroid use is out of the blue acne break outs, this is due to elevate testosterone levels which results in excessive sebaceous gland secretion, clogging the pores promoting zit formation.

There are various different types of steroids on the market available in tablet and capsule or in the form of injections directly into the muscles, with all these substances on the market it’s easy to get caught up in the steroid buzz, especially if you not clued up on banned substances, so before putting something foreign into your body do a little research a full list of banned substances can be easily found on the internet, or even speak to you GP.

The South African Institution for Drug Free Sport has a very efficient system for testing athletes so chances are you will be caught, if you are doping and besides that it’s just plain unethical, will that win really feel like a win deep down if you know it was the performance enhancer that edged out the competition and not you!

Wade Botha

Sport Scientist

(HONS Exercise science - University of Kwa Zulu Natal)