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The What, Where, and Why On Steroids

Jaylin Gentry

Department of Biology, Prairie View A&M University

BIOL 2402: Anatomy and Physiology II

Dr.Y. Elhassan

April 18, 2023


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Steroids refer to a class of organic compounds that are naturally present in the body and

also can be artificially produced in laboratories. The history of steroids dates back to the early

19th century when scientists discovered the existence of cholesterol in animal tissues. In the

1930s, researchers began to synthesize a number of steroids, experimenting with them to explore

potential therapeutic uses. Eventually, certain steroids, such as cortisone and prednisone, were

found to be effective at treating inflammation and other medical conditions. During the 1950s

and 1960s, anabolic steroids were developed to enhance muscle growth and athletic

performance. Steroids became popular among athletes and bodybuilders, leading to their abuse

for non-medical purposes. In the 1980s, the use of steroids became a subject of controversy due

to their negative side effects and potential health risks. Today, steroids are still used medically in

certain cases, but there are some non-medical uses as well.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the rate of steroid use among

high school seniors in the United States has declined in recent years. In 2020, 0.9% of 12th

graders reported using steroids at least once in their lifetime. This is down from a peak of 2.2%

in 2002. NIDA also reports that steroid use is highest among male teenagers and young adults,

especially those who are involved in athletics or weightlifting.“The World Anti-Doping Agency

administers the Olympic testing and that of other sports. Anabolic steroids are one of the most

common substances athletes use to cheat the system and gain an unfair advantage”, (NIDA,

2018). Steroid use is also prevalent among people who use other drugs, such as opioids and

cocaine. Some other data points that might be included in a graph related to steroid abuse could

include the number of emergency department visits each year due to complications from steroid

use, the number of deaths related to steroid use, or the prevalence of specific risky behaviors

(such as needle sharing) among people who use them.


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The discovery of steroids can be attributed to several scientists. In 1820, French chemist

Michel Eugène Chevreul isolated a pure form of cholesterol from gallstones. Later in 1855,

German chemist Adolf Baeyer synthesized cholesterol for the first time. The term "steroids" was

coined by British chemist Callaway in 1914. However, the first systematic study of the biological

effects of steroids was initiated by American physician John Haynes Holmes in 1889. Overall,

the discovery of steroids is the result of contributions made over a long period of time by several

scientists. The effects of using steroids can vary depending on the type of steroid used, the dose,

and the duration of use. When used as prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat certain

medical conditions, steroids can provide benefits such as reducing inflammation, reducing

allergic reactions, and promoting bone growth. However, when steroids are used improperly,

particularly in high doses and over long periods of time, they can cause a range of harmful side

effects like:

1. Acne

2. Mood changes, including aggression, irritability, and depression

3. Fluid retention and swelling

4. High blood pressure

5. Increased risk of blood clots

6. Liver and kidney damage

7. Increased cholesterol levels

8. Reduced sperm count and testicular shrinkage in men

9. Deepening of voice and facial hair growth in women

10. Irregular menstrual cycles in women


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It's important to note that using steroids without a prescription from a healthcare provider is

illegal and can be dangerous to your health. Liver damage, impotence, increased aggression,

depression, and even suicide may all be severe consequences of using performance-enhancing

drugs ("Effects of PEDs"). Using these chemicals is risky, immoral, and illegal; there is no place

for it in competitive sports (Smith & Stavros, 2020). The harmful effects of steroids can cause

irreversible damage to the body, and it is important to use them only under the supervision of a

healthcare professional, and for legitimate medical purposes.

Treatments for steroid use or abuse depends on the type, dose, and duration of steroid use, as

well as the specific side effects experienced.Some possible treatments for common steroid side

effects is weight gain. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage weight gain. A

healthcare professional may also recommend weight loss medication or surgery in some cases. 2.

Acne: Topical or oral medications such as retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide can be

used to treat acne. 3. Mood changes: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive psychotherapy

may be helpful for managing mood changes. Medications such as antidepressants or mood

stabilizers may also be prescribed, depending on the severity of symptoms. 4. Increased risk of

infections: A healthcare professional may recommend vaccination or prophylactic antibiotics to


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prevent infections. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to address the

side effects of steroid use and to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
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Reference Page

NIDA. (2023, February 9). How are anabolic steroids tested in athletes? National

Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-

reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/how-are-anabolic-

steroids-tested-in-athletes

Smith, A. C., & Stavros, C. (2020). Exploring the progressive use of performance

enhancing substances by high-performance athletes. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(6), 914-

927. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31918609/

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