Steroids and Creatine

Should student athletes be allowed to use Creatine?

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids are drugs that mimic the male hormone, testosterone. They cause the increase the manufacture of proteins within cells. The hormone, testosterone is responsible for the following characteristics:• Deepening of the voice•Growth of body hair•Growth of testicles.

Androgens are secreted to produce the onset of male puberty.

When is steroid use acceptable?

If a young boy can not produce enough of the androgens needed to ensure puberty, anabolic steroids are used to help him to grown normally.

Steroid use was solely used for this purpose back in the 1930’s when steroids were discovered by scientists. When used properly for the right reasons, there is nothing wrong with their use.

Side effects of Steroid Abuse:

• Psychological effects can include

• rage • Psychosis• Violence• Mania• Suicide

There are many negative side effects to steroid use including:

High Blood PressureHigh cholesterolThey can alter blood sugar levelsCardiovascular diseasePremature baldnessDevelopment of breast tissue in malesTesticular atrophy-resulting in low sperm countIn females, the effects can produce enlarged clitorisLack of menstrual cycles Deepening of the voiceIncrease in body hairCan harm the development of an unborn fetus

Creatine:

• Read the article from CNN