Steroids and Androgens Fact Sheet 

Anabolic steroids are a group of medicines which help to rebuild tissues weakened because of serious injury or illness. They are related to testosterone, a male sex hormone. Androgens are male hormones used medically to treat certain types of female breast cancer and as a replacement hormone when a body cannot produce enough of its own. Some forms of these drugs are marketed only for veterinary purposes. Non-medical reasons cited for abuse of steroids/androgens by athletes are to build muscle tissue (bulk up) and to enhance performance. These drugs can be taken either orally or through injection.

• durabolinS

• stanozololS

• winstrolS

• halotestinA

• equipoiseV

• orandraloneS

• anadrolS

• metandrenA

• bolenoneV

• "slop"

• "sauce"

• "roids"

• nandroloneS

• anapolonS

• malogenA

• enlargement of muscles

• growth pattern changes

• mood changes

• increase/decrease in sex drive

• weight gain due to fluid retention, edema

Although these drugs are not taken for their mood-altering impact, the effects of use are both physiological and psychological. Steroids and androgens affect brain wave activity, increasing aggression and lessening impulse control. Depression may also be a side effect and people may get into a cycle of using other mood-altering drugs to counteract the side effects experienced.

• increased risk of tissue damage. Steroids/androgens cause muscles to grow but do not cause similar growth to tendons and ligaments (big muscles, little supports).

• cardiac and circulation problems such as irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, anemia, nosebleeds, increased risk of heart attack or strokes

• stunted growth in adolescents or children due to premature closure of ends of the bones

• liver, kidney, prostate problems including cancer

• stomach problems, nausea, vomiting

• infertility

Accurate descriptions and understanding of withdrawal from steroids/androgens await further research. Several symptoms have been noted to occur on discontinuation of these drugs and may be considered a withdrawal syndrome. These include:

• fatigue

• decreased sex drive

• depression

• muscular pain

• headache

• craving for the drug

Drug Dependency Services, Central Region, 1999