Table of Contents:

[ General / Adrenergic / Amphetamine ]
[ Ergogenic / Hormones / Steroids ]
[ Over the Counter / Recreational / Related ]

• What are anabolic steroids?
• How do anabolic steroids work in the body?
• Who uses anabolic steroids and why?
• How prevalent is the use of steroids?
• Which anabolic drugs does the NCAA ban?
• What are the different types of anabolic steroids?
• Are there any differences between oral and injectable steroids?
• What medical use do anabolic steroids have?
• Can anabolic steroids affect an athlete's health?

What are anabolic steroids?
Steroids are hormones. Anabolic steroids or more precisely, anabolic/androgenic steroids are also referred to as ergogenic or performance-enhancing drugs. They are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, a natural male hormone.

Most healthy males produce between 2 to 10 milligrams of testosterone a day. The hormone's anabolic effect promotes retention of nitrogen, and this helps muscle growth. It helps the male reproductive system to grow during puberty, assists with the growth of body hair, and the deepening of the voice. Today, anabolic steroids are chemically manufactured. Steroids can be administered by injection, or can be taken orally. Injectable steroids are longer lasting in the body and can be detected in the body for a longer period of time.

How do anabolic steroids work in the body?
The body produces testosterone predominantly in the testes in the male, and adrenal glands in the female. During puberty the testes (20 or 40 fold increase compared to early childhood levels) release testosterone. This hormone is largely responsible for the changes in muscle, bone structure and density.

Who uses anabolic steroids and why?
When athletes use steroids they might believe that steroids will give them a "winning edge," in developing their power and strength, and increase recovery from heavy workouts. Fuller and LaFountain (1987) found that athletes rationalized their use by trying to justify that using steroids caused no harm either to themselves or to others. Also, individuals perceived their competitors were taking anabolic drugs, so they needed to use to compete at the same level.

Some individuals use steroids because they perceive that increased muscle mass improves their appearance (Yesalis, 1998). Mottram (1996) has suggested that social norms about "bigger being better," feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem may influence the younger generation's use of steroids .

How prevalent is the use of steroids?
Surveys and anecdotal evidence indicate that the rate of non-medical steroid use may be increasing. Reports of steroid use indicate that between 250,000 and 1 million individuals use. According to Yesalis (1998) more than 300,000 used steroids during one year. The National Institute of Health (1999) reported that 2.9% of 12th graders used steroids.

Which anabolic drugs does the NCAA ban?
Examples of anabolic steroids banned by the NCAA are:

(And other agents)

For more information on banned steroids please visit the NCAA web site.

What are the different types of anabolic steroids?
From the 1930's to the 1960's scientists modified the structure of the testosterone molecule to produce anabolic steroids to increase muscle and body protein metabolism at dose levels which tend not to increase other secondary sexual characteristics. They should not be confused with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone, corticosteroids.

Are there any differences between oral and injectable steroids?

Oral Steroids:
Oral, fat-soluble steroids can be detected in the body for several weeks or months after a person stops taking them.

Injectable Steroids:
Injectable anabolics are injected into muscle tissue. They are slowly released from the muscles into the rest of the body, and may be detectable for months after last use. The body tolerates the injectable steroids more effectively than the oral steroids. Long-term steroid abusers use them for this reason.

What medical uses do anabolic steroids have?
Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III drugs in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act (U.S. Department of Justice-DEA, 1997). These agents are available legally as prescribed medications for treating anemia, osteoporosis, growth stimulation, gonadal dysfunction, and gynecological disorders.

Can anabolic steroids affect a student athlete's health?
Anabolic steroid use by males and females may lead to health conditions ranging from mild, to life-threatening seriousness. Not every individual who takes anabolic steroids experiences serious side effects; however, reports of different effects include:

According to Yesalis (1998), "although there has been an alleged small decline in the ranks of Division I male college athletes who use steroids, the number of women athletes who use steroids has grown, a worrisome fact because they are highly vulnerable to permanent damage."