The use of steroids in sports
The use of the Testosterone hormone and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) in sports and athletics has been a controversial topic for many years. Testosterone is naturally produced in the human body and is responsible for fertility, sex drive, and muscle mass/growth and strength in all humans,etc. It is more/mostly present in people assigned male at birth and is the main male sex hormone. However, science has found a way to artificially manipulate testosterone levels to enhance athletic performance. In this article, I will explore the positive and negative impacts of using added doses of the naturally found hormone testosterone, and AAS, (Anabolic-androgenic steroids) which are a highly common form of synthetic derivatives of testosterone. The pros and cons of this article will focus specifically on the use of these hormones in sports and athletics.
Positive Impacts of Science:
One significant positive impact of using Testosterone hormone and AAS in sports and athletics is improved performance. Studies have shown that athletes who use AAS can increase their strength and muscle mass by up to 20%. This allows them to perform at a higher level and achieve their goals. For example, a study by Bhasin et al, under the NIH, found that men who received testosterone injections of 600ml “had greater increases than those given placebo in muscle size in their arms (mean [+/-SE] change in triceps area, 424 +/- 104 vs. -81 +/- 109 square millimeters; P < 0.05)” (Bhasin et al.) Anabolic steroids are able to have this effect as they exert their anti-catabolic effects through competitive inhibition of glucocorticoid receptors, thereby limiting the catabolic effects of cortisol and preserving muscle mass. (Bundy and Leaver)
This improvement in performance can lead to more opportunities for athletes, including sponsorships, endorsements, and higher salaries. In turn, this leads some steroid users to feel Improved motivation, and confidence.
Further Anabolic steroids can be used to stimulate the release of erythropoietin and increase its activity on bone in cases of chronic renal failure, aplastic frailty or frailty due to cytotoxic therapy, in addtion to this 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic steroid Affiliate is a successful specialist in the prevention of congenital angioedema because it increases serum levels of C1-esterase inhibitor activity. (Bundy and Leaver)
Negative Impacts of Science:
One significant negative impact of using Testosterone hormone and AAS in sports and athletics is health risks. AAS use has been linked to a range of health problems, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, blood clots, infertility, and even prostate cancer. (“Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels”) In addition, AAS use can cause mood swings, aggression, and depression. Long-term use can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. (Christou et al.) A study done by the NIH reported that steroid abusers have felt symptoms such as tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, vigor/activity, fatigue/inertia, and confusion/bewilderment. (Sanjuan et al.) The following study found there to be adverse changes in these categories, as seen in this image.
Further AAS use can disrupt the HPG axis, leading to decreased endogenous testosterone production, testicular atrophy, and other reproductive health issues. This in part is do to how AAS use causes significant reductions in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and endogenous testosterone levels. This is why AAS use leads to structural and functional sperm changes, reduction in testicular volume, gynecomastia, clitoromegaly, menstrual irregularities, and subfertility. (Christou et al.)
Another negative impact of using Testosterone hormone and AAS in sports and athletics is the unfair advantage it gives some athletes. Using AAS allows athletes to achieve results that would not be possible naturally. This creates an unfair advantage over other athletes who choose not to use AAS. This can lead to a lack of fairness and integrity in sports, which can ultimately damage the reputation of the sport. This is why The use of AAS is banned in competitive sports and can lead to disqualification, fines, and other penalties. This shows not only does AAS cause a myriad of health issues, but in addition to that it causes ethical and legal issues as well. (Bundy and Leaver)
To conclude The use of the Testosterone hormone and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) in sports and athletics has been a controversial topic for many years, and overall it is it not worth the risk of consuming it based on the health risks mentioned above, but ofcource if you are interested in more information/trying Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) consult a medical professional.
References
Bhasin, S., Storer, T. W., Berman, N., Callegari, C., Clevenger, B., Phillips, J., … & Casaburi, R. (1996). The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men. New England Journal of Medicine, 335(1), 1–7.
Bundy, A., & Leaver, N. (2019). Performance-enhancing drugs in sport: The role of medical professionals. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(14), 857–858.
Christou, G. A., Christou, P. A., & Markozannes, G. E. (2017). Effects of anabolic androgenic steroids on the reproductive system of athletes and recreational users: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 47(9), 1869–1883.
Sanjuan, J., Lago, A., Cardona, X., & Gratacòs, M. (2013). Anabolic androgenic steroid dependence is associated with impaired emotion recognition. Psychopharmacology, 229(1), 115–124.
“Steroids | Kosher Pharmaceuticals.” Kosher Pharma, 2015, www.kosherpharmaceuticals.com/steroids. Accessed 5 June 2023.
Stock, Concept. “Muscular Man Shot on White Injecting Steroids.” IStock, 19 Nov. 2009, www.istockphoto.com/photo/steroids-concept-gm120972379-11150896. Accessed 5 June 2023.
“Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels.” Hormone Health Network, Endocrine Society, 2021, www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/testosterone.
