Anabolic Steroids and Young Adults

Extract

What is the role of testosterone in men’s health?

Anabolic steroids are drugs that are forms of the hormone testosterone. They are known for their effects on muscle. However, they also have effects like growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and changes in behavior.

Anabolic steroids are occasionally prescribed to help AIDS patients gain weight and to treat some types of severe anemia. These drugs are also used illegally by some athletes to improve performance, and by others to get a more muscular appearance.

Anabolic Steroids

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Anabolic steroids come in various forms including pills, creams, patches, tablet or drops placed under the tongue, and injectables. Veterinary steroids often contain the same components as human steroids, but are not as pure. People are sometimes using these as well.

Who is using anabolic steroids?

Both adults and children use anabolic steroids. Since 1996, use in children has increased 39% among 8th graders, 67% among 10th graders and 84% among seniors in high school. A recent survey reported that one of every 16 high school students has used anabolic steroids. Use among girls as well as boys is rising.