Overview of Steroids: Uses, Mechanisms, and Side Effects

Introduction

• Common Misconception: Steroid use is not limited to professional athletes; many recreational athletes, especially weightlifters and bodybuilders, use them.
• Purpose: Improve muscle size, strength, and appearance.
• Discussion Points: What steroids are, how they work, and their effects, both good and bad.

What Are Steroids?

• Anabolic Steroids/Androgenic Steroids: Often referred to as androgenic steroids.
• Difference from Prednisone: Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid.
• Function: Enhance muscle size and athletic performance; synthetic variations of testosterone.
• Testosterone: Main male androgen, promotes masculine characteristics. Produced mainly in males, with some production in females (ovaries and adrenal glands).

Testosterone Production Process

• Hypothalamus: Secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
• Pituitary Gland: Receives GnRH, releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Testes: LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
• Negative Feedback System: Regulates testosterone levels, similar to a thermostat.

How Steroids Work

• Anabolic Effect: Mimic testosterone, enhance protein synthesis, and muscle growth.
• Results: Increased muscle mass, reduced fat, and faster recovery times.

Side Effects of Steroid Use

General Side Effects

• Superphysiologic Levels: Going beyond normal levels causes side effects and potentially dangerous consequences.

Stereotypical Side Effects

• Females:
  • Increased acne
  • Irregular periods
  • Virilization: deeper voice, male pattern hair growth, clitoral enlargement
• Males:
  • Increased acne
  • Potential risk of prostate cancer
  • Premature closure of growth plates if taken before puberty
  • Gynecomastia: Development of breast tissue due to excess testosterone converting to estrogen
  • Testicular atrophy: Testes shrinking due to reduced LH stimulation
  • Reduced sperm production: Decreased FSH stimulation
• Other: Voice changes in females are usually permanent.

Cardiovascular and Other Health Risks

• Cardiovascular Risks: May increase risk of coronary artery disease, alter cholesterol levels (lower HDL, raise LDL), erythrocytosis (increased red blood cells), and raise blood pressure.
• Neuropsychiatric Side Effects: Mood disorders and aggressive behavior in some users.
• Tendon Ruptures: Increased likelihood of tendon ruptures (e.g., biceps, triceps).
• Infections: Higher risk of local and systemic infections for those who inject steroids.

Conclusion

• Educational Value: Understanding the mechanisms and side effects of steroids is crucial.
• Related Content: Endocrine system and hormones.
• Product Mention: AG1 nutritional supplement.

Additional Resources

• Endocrine System Video: Link for deeper understanding of hormone interactions.
• AG1 Information: Link provided in the description.