Anabolic Steriods, Testosterone, and Hgh

Michael Earner

Dr. Jerald Cilente

Drugs and Society

6 Apr 09

Assignment 10

1. (a) Differentiate between androgenic and anabolic effects of the male sex hormone testosterone.

Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone that appears in small amounts in females. Males have a Testosterone spurt during early puberty which matures the body, stimulates changes in body hair, growth, voice, and other sex characteristics. There are two major effects on the body caused by testosterone in the male body. Testosterone can have an Androgenic or Anabolic effects.

Androgenic effects happen during puberty and result in the physical changes in men. They include growth of the penis, descending of the testicles, deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, and growth of the male sex organs. Anabolic effects are seen in the growth of muscle groups, internal organ growth, the way body fat is distributed, the increase of bone calcium, and the increased protein synthesis.

1. (b) Describe the potential adverse effects and possible health risks associated with anabolic steroid use by males and females, including psychological manifestations of use that have been observed in many athletes who have used these substances indiscriminately.

Anabolic steroid use can lead to dependence which can make it extremely difficult to stop use even if side effects are obvious. Some of the side effects associated with steroids can be very serious. In men it is common to see hair loss, breast tissue development and impotence. In women facial hair begins to grow, the voice deepens, and breasts reduce. Steroids can also affect the kidneys causing Jaundice, inflammation at the joints, bad breath, and uncontrollable shaking.

Physical side effects are not the only side effects caused by anabolic steroids. Mood swings happen without warning and steroids can make you angry and hostile for no reason. In June of 2007, a well know World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler murdered his wife and son then committed suicide. There is a documented history of the wrestler receiving anabolic steroid deliveries to his house prior to the murder-suicide. Steroid can cause nervousness, paranoia, loneliness, and depression.

1. (c) Present a reasoned, personal commentary on the ethical issues underlying the use of anabolic steroids, with special reference to implications of use at all levels of sports competition.

I do not feel as though anabolic steroids have a place in any level of sports competition. The health risks associated with steroids are immense and I believe it human competition should be based on ability and natural size alone. It can be argued that all people are genetically different; however, every athlete must work hard at acquiring