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Learning Targets

After studying this lesson, I will be able to
 describe the dangers of anabolic steroids
Steroid Facts
• Steroids are synthetically manufactured testosterone-like drugs taken to build muscle, enhance performance,
and improve appearance.
• Steroids can be swallowed in liquid or pill form, or injected
• Medically used for treatment of hormone deficiency, as well as diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass,
such as cancer and AIDS.
• Abusers take steroids in patterns (cycling) or take different types of steroids (stacking).
• Abusers generally take doses 10-100 times higher than prescribed for medical reasons.
Physical Effects of Steroid Abuse
Effects may be irreversible
• Short stature (if taken by adolescents)
• Tendon ruptures
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Liver disease or cancer
• Kidney failure
• Severe acne
• Oily scalp
• Jaundice
• Fluid retention
Additional risks for males
• Infertility
• Gynecomastia (breast development
• Shrinking of testicles
• Baldness
Additional risks for females
• Excessive growth of body hair
• Male-pattern baldness
• Enlargement of the clitoris
• Deepening of the voice
• Menstrual irregularities
Mental Effects of Steroid Abuse
• Increased rage or aggression
• Irritability
• paranoia or mania
• Delusions
• Impaired judgment
• Nervousness
• Depression

Write 5 sentences about what you learned from the info sheet.

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5.

1 answer

  1. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that mimic testosterone and are often abused to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance.
  2. These drugs can be taken in pill or liquid form or through injections, and they are sometimes used medically to treat hormone deficiencies and conditions like cancer and AIDS.
  3. Steroid abuse can lead to severe and potentially irreversible physical effects, including heart disease, liver damage, and profound changes in physical appearance, such as severe acne and excessive hair growth.
  4. Both males and females face specific risks; males may experience infertility and breast development, while females may suffer from male-pattern baldness and menstrual irregularities.
  5. In addition to physical dangers, steroid abuse can also significantly impact mental health, leading to increased aggression, paranoia, and depression.