| − | Anabolic steroids, or simply '''steroids''', were discovered in the 1930s to facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals. Bodybuilders and weightlifters and then athletes in other sports eventually began using them to enhance their strength. Anabolic steroids are taken orally, injected intramuscularly, or rubbed on the skin when in the form of gels or creams. Users will combine different types of steroids in a process known as stacking, to enhance the overall effect. In "pyramiding", users escalate steroid use. | + | Anabolic steroids, or simply '''steroids''', were discovered in the 1930s to facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals. Bodybuilders and weightlifters and then athletes in other sports eventually began using them to enhance their strength, '''''often without admitting their use'''''. Anabolic steroids are taken orally, injected intramuscularly, or rubbed on the skin when in the form of gels or creams. Users will combine different types of steroids in a process known as stacking, to enhance the overall effect. In "pyramiding", users escalate steroid use. '''''Steroid use for athletic performance is illegal, unfair, and causes medical harm to the athlete who puts his own ego over values'''''. |
| | Anabolic steroid abuse causes adverse side effects ranging from acne and breast development in men, to unattractive changes in appearance by women, to life threatening conditions. The sooner one stops taking steroids, the less the harm. Anabolic steroids can also cause increased irritability and aggression. | | Anabolic steroid abuse causes adverse side effects ranging from acne and breast development in men, to unattractive changes in appearance by women, to life threatening conditions. The sooner one stops taking steroids, the less the harm. Anabolic steroids can also cause increased irritability and aggression. |