ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS
Dr Jonathan King
Sports Medicine Mingara, Tumbi Umbi, 2261

Anabolic androgenic steroids are artificial chemicals with similar effects as the human
hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is found in large amounts in males, and in smaller
amounts in females.In the natural situation, testosterone is responsible for increased
muscle growth, and sexual maturation that is evident especially during puberty in
males. Testosterone is made in the testes in males, and in the adrenal gland in both
sexes. Testosterone is the main hormone in the androgen group, which have
masculinising effects, and promote protein synthesis.Anabolic steroids were first
isolated in the 1930’s and were further developed in the 1950’s.Biochemists have tried
to isolate the anabolic (muscle-building) effects from the masculinising effects with
some, but limited success. However, illegal use of these substances have led to
side-effects relating to other steroid hormones eg. Salt and fluid retention, breast
development in males, and masculinisation in females.Anabolic steroids have few
indications in medical practiceeg. treatment of osteoporosis, certain anaemias, and
underdevelopment of the testes.The use of anabolic steroids in sports has been banned
by the International Olympic Committee since 1976. The American College of Sports
Medicine stated in 1984 “anabolic steroids can contribute to the increase in lean body
weight, in the presence of adequate diet and repetitive training.” Increased muscle
mass and strength can give advantage to athletes in power sports such as weight lifting.
Considering the ethics of competition, this can be unfair on those not taking anabolic
steroids. In addition, the side-effects can be harmful, as will be discussed later.How do
anabolic steroids work?Scientific researchers have had mixed results when objectively
determining whether anabolic steroids improve performance.Research has consistently
found that there is no improvement in aerobic performance after taking anabolic
steroids. This is borne out by the types of athletes who take anabolic steroids, namely
power lifters, track and field athletes, and football players. Haupt and Rovere
(Americal Journal of Sports Medicine, 1984) published a review of 25 scientific studies
on the effects of anabolic steroids on athletic performance. They found that it was the
combination of being previously trained in weight lifting and of continuous weight
training during the steroid regimen that was consistently associated with increases in
strength.