What are Anabolic Steroids? The definition is: Synthetic (man-made) hormones that simulate the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

Is your son or daughter a student athlete? If so, then please read this for his/her health. Student athletes have a lot of pressure in high school including, (but not limited to):

1. Keeping there grades up (to be able to play on the team they can not fall behind on any of there schoolwork) 
2. Training extra hard for tryouts, 
3. Once they finally make the team they have demands from their teammates and fellow students to be the best on and off the playing field.

Some students obtain their goal from eating a well balanced diet, getting the right amount of sleep and working out in the gym. Others cheat and take illegal substances called Anabolic Steroids.

How are Anabolic Steroids used? Anabolic steroids can be taken orally, by injection or in creams or gels. If the steroids are taking by injection with a needle another topic must be brought to attention and that is HIV/AIDS. We all know that HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease but you may not know is that it can be also be transferred by sharing needles with an infected person.

Signs of using Anabolic Steroids

In boys the first noticeable signs of using Anabolic Steroids are: 

• A rapid gain in muscle and/or weight at an alarming rate; 
• Sudden outbreaks of acne; 
• Recurrent mood swings.

Long-term use of Anabolic Steroids in boys can result in: shrinking of the testicles reduced sperm count, infertility development of breasts & increased risk for prostate cancer. Anabolic steroids are especially dangerous for teenagers because their bones aren't fully developed.

Think teenage boys are the only ones in High School using Anabolic Steroids? Think again! Teenage girls are using them to get that lean but muscular look that is flaunted in all fitness magazines and television commercials. Researchers find that the number of teenage girls using anabolic steroids has doubled since 1991. Some permanent side effects of teenage girls using Anabolic Steroids include baldness, deepening of the voice, and shrinkage of breast size and enlargement of the clitoris.

Some of the signs of teens using Anabolic Steroids include the following: 

• Aggressiveness and combativeness 
• Jaundice (the yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, or the eyes) 
• Purple or red spots on the body 
• Swelling of feet and lower legs 
• Trembling 
• Unexplained darkening of the skin 
• Persistent unpleasant breath odor 
• Severe acne breakouts and oily skin

The Best Defense Against Anabolic Steroids

Luckily many high schools are recognizing the problem of students, especially athletes using steroids and the best defense is EDUCATION, whether it is through public speakers (such as parents of students who use steroids or the teen himself) or training programs, which teach students to say no to the hype. Also, if you have noticed any of these signs, or think your teenager may be taking Anabolic Steroids please talk with your teenager. Teach your son/daughter healthy alternatives to use of Anabolic Steroids (for example, appropriate training techniques and eating healthy foods). Also it wouldn't hurt to recognize role models & the achievements they have made without the use of Anabolic Steroids. Some adults (whether it be a coach or a parent) often push young athletes, too hard, because they require greatness from the teen at any cost. Let me end this article with a quick question for you: What is more important to you, as a parent, your son or daughter winning a game or their wellbeing?

References

1. "Anabolic Steroids Definition". From Hugo Rivera, You're Guide to Bodybuilding. FREE Newsletter
2. menshealth.about.com
3. Boodman SG. More teen girls using anabolic steroids; hazards of long-term use unknown. Star Tribune, 1998 January 28: E3(col.1)
4. focusas.com

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