DEAR DR.PAUL: My 14-year-old son is a really good football player. He says that he wants to build his muscle bulk and has a friend who told him to take steroids to increase his performance. What should I tell my son?
DR.PAUL ANSWERS: The first thing I would tell you is that of course, peer pressure plays a role at this age. The more you can convince your son that taking steroids is harmful and potentially deadly, the less he will be affected by peer (or coaching staff) pressure. It sounds easy to do, but in fact, young athletes are continually tempted by society’s high rewards for success in sports and a “win at all costs” attitude. So our kids are often getting mixed messages. What they need is a “clear and consistent opposing message” from their parents, teachers, coaches, and other mentors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the use of a variety of substances has long accompanied efforts to enhance athletic performance and is not limited to professional and Olympic athletes only. In fact, anabolic steroid use among adolescent athletes continues to increase.
What exactly are anabolic steroids? It is important to note that these are not the same as the corticosteroids used to treat asthma and other inflammatory diseases. Anabolic steroids are illegal substances only available on the black market and may be taken either by mouth or by injection. Some of the common orally administered anabolic steroids include oxymetholone (Anadrol), oxandrolone (Anavar), methandrostenolone (Dianabol), and stanozolol (Winstrol). The injectable steroids include nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin), nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin), testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone), and boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise). Anabolic steroids are generally used in a combination of oral and injectable dosages during 6 to 12-week periods and are believed to work by stimulating the body’s protein production.
Why do athletes take anabolic steroids? Coaches and players desire increased muscle mass/strength, rapid healing of injuries, aggression, and obtaining a winning edge. Unfortunately, there is a long list of side effects that over-rides these desired goals. The side effects of anabolic steroid use include:
- Liver damage
- Testicular atrophy(shrinking) breast enlargement and prostate cancer in males
- Menstrual irregularities and loss of breast tissue in females
- Acne and excessive body hair
- Shorter adult height
- Increased rate of muscle strains/ruptures
- Decreased glucose tolerance(Type 2 Diabetes)
- Deepening of the voice
- Cardiac problems include Increased cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clot formation,
- Psychological effects include mood swings, aggression(steroid rage), depression, and psychosis
I think that parents and other child caretakers including coaches should be well aware of the side effects of anabolic steroid use and be prepared to offer alternative ways to achieve athletic enhancement such as proper workout techniques and a healthy diet and lifestyle. Young athletes should be constantly reminded that high athletic performance and success can be achieved without the use of performance-enhancing substances. Pointing out role models in the sports community whose success did not depend on the use of drugs is also very helpful.
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