Steroids

Steroids, the common name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones, promote muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics. Steroids are legally only with aprescription. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and body wasting in patients suffering from AIDS. Steroids are abused, often by athletes, to improvephysical appearance. Steroids are available in tablet, liquid, gel, and cream. The appearance of these products varies depending the type.
Individuals who abuse of steroids take doses that are 10 to100 times higher than those used for medical conditions. Steroid abusers often take two or more different forms of the drug and mix oral steroids with injectable steroids; also frequently administertheir doses in cycles of 6 to 12 weeks. In general, steroid abuse is higher among men than women; however, steroid abuse is growing most among young women. Steroid abuse among high school students is aparticular problem.
Steroid abuse is associated with physical and emotional problems. Physical consequences include tumors, cancer, high blood pressure and increases in cholesterol levels. Emotionalproblems associated with steroids include depression, irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment.

Types of steroids:

Androgenic: Ipromotes growth by increasing the metabolic processesinvolved with protein synthesis and is used to promote weight gain. They are used by bodybuilders and athletes to increase muscle mass, strength, and stamina.
Corticosteroid: are classes ofanti-inflammatory drugs that can be used to control severe swelling, and can control certain types of pain. They are designed to act like steroids that occur naturally in your body. Corticosteroids work by alteringthe immune response, controlling inflammation which can cause pain and decrease movement.
Anabolic: are drugs that resemble androgenic hormones (male hormones) such as testosterone. People...