Q1: What are anabolic androgenic steroids (“AAS”)?
A1: Anabolic means “to build” and androgenic refers to “male-specific hormone”. These are typically synthetic (i.e. man made) or animal hormones that mimic the natural testosterone produced by the testes and adrenal glands in humans. The first synthetic testosterone products were developed over 50 years ago for the treatment of testosterone deficiency in men, and have since become popularized as performance-enhancing drugs.
Q2: What is a performance-enhancing agent?
A2: A performance-enhancing agent is anything that can be used to improve athletic performance.
Q3: Are all performance-enhancing agents considered prohibited substances?
A3: No. A substance is considered “prohibited” according to common law or individual sport governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee or the Health Policy Advisory Committee (Major League Baseball). The only performance-enhancing agents that have some possible utility and are not generally considered prohibited include creatine, protein supplementation, and caffeine. In contrast, anabolic androgenic steroids, pro-hormones, growth hormone, and many others are prohibited.
Q4: Are corticosteroids and anabolic androgenic steroids the same?
A4: No. Corticosteroids are commonly used as therapeutic agents in athletes because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Corticosteroids are not performance-enhancing drugs and should not be confused with the anabolic androgenic steroids. By using the universal term “steroids” much confusion is promoted in the general population.
Q5: What are the side effects associated with the use of anabolic androgenic steroids?
A5: Anabolic androgenic steroids can adversely affect all organ systems of the body. These agents can cause stunting of growth in younger athletes, injury to tendons and ligaments, acne, anger and rage, liver cancer, and even death. Persons using anabolic androgenic steroids can also develop a dependency to these drugs and may experience withdraw symptoms upon discontinuation.
Q6: What are “pro-hormones”?
A6: Pro-hormones are metabolic precursors (i.e. building blocks) for anabolic androgenic steroids or other similar hormones. The most common of this group includes dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA).
Q7: Are pro-hormones safe alternatives to anabolic androgenic steroids?
A7: No. Pro-hormones seem to have much less potential to enhance athletic performance, so they are often taken in excessively high doses. These high doses of pro-hormones have been linked to side effects similar to those caused by the anabolic androgenic steroids.
Q8: Can anabolic androgenic steroids be prescribed legally by a physician?
A8: Yes. In select circumstances the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (commonly testosterone) can be prescribed by a physician. This is typically done for individuals with documented hormone deficiencies and accompanying symptoms. The use of anabolic androgenic steroids without medical justification and physician guidance is illegal and dangerous.
Q9: Is the illegal use of anabolic androgenic steroids restricted to professional athletes?
A9: No. While the use of anabolic androgenic steroids in professional athletes is a topic of media interest, the problem is far more common in amateur athletes, including adolescents.
Q10: What is a powerful remedy for combating the illegal use of steroids?
A10: Awareness. It is crucial that athletes understand that while there may be temporary physical enhancements associated with the use of anabolic androgenic steroids and other prohibited substances, there is significant likelihood that the use of these agents will negatively effect your physical and mental well-being, relationships, academic performance, and ability to sustain athletic longevity. Persons using anabolic androgenic steroids are also more likely to be arrested.