Anabolic Steroids Health Article

Definition

Anabolic steroids are compounds, derived from testosterone, which promote tissue growth and repair. Because they have been used improperly by body builders and other athletes, they are controlled substances under United States federal law.

Description

As of 2004, there are four anabolic steroids available:

• nandrolone
• oxandrolone
• oxymetholone
• stanzolol

Although these products have different labeled uses, they are very similar in action and side effects and may be used interchangeably, subject to differences in route of administration and duration of action.

General use

Anabolic steroids are used for the following conditions:

• catabolic states such as chronic infections, extensive surgery, burns, or severe trauma
• anemia associated with renal insufficiency, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, and bone marrow failure
• angioedema
• growth failure, including the short stature associated with Turner's syndrome

Precautions

Anabolic steroids are not recommended for young children because the drugs may cause an early end to the growth of long bones, which results in short stature. Anabolic steroids should be used with great care in girls, because the drugs have masculinizing properties. The drugs should be reserved for situations in which the benefits outweigh the risk. Anabolic steroids have been associated with liver cancer, and they have psychological effects, such as contributing to rage attacks.

Side effects

Anabolic steroids cause masculinization of females, including hair growth or loss, enlargement of the clitoris, and deepening of the voice. These effects are not reversible, even when the drug is promptly discontinued. In males past the age of puberty, side effects include increased urinary frequency, breast tenderness and enlargement, and frequent erections. In both males and females, anabolic steroids cause swelling of the feet, liver problems, and stomach upset.

This list of side effects is incomplete; many additional effects have been reported. Specialized drug references maintain for a complete list for each individual drug, including analysis of psychological effects of these drugs that contribute to rage attacks.