The use and abuse of anabolic steroids by athletes, the problem seem Research Paper

The use and abuse of anabolic steroids by athletes, the problem seem to begin as early as high school and continues later on to the professionals - Research Paper Example Testosterone is the only hormone targeting the male sexual characteristics as it stimulates the reproductive organ and development of muscle and bones. It also promotes the growth of skin and hair and influence sentiments and sex drive in males. In males, the adrenal gland as well as the testes produces testosterone; whereas in the females it is only secreted by the adrenal gland. There are over hundreds various types of anabolic steroids synthesized in order to maximize its benefits. Since 2013, not a single type of anabolic steroid has been synthesized that do not have any kind of side effect. In most of the developing countries, anabolic steroids can easily be purchased without any prescription. However the American government has tried to impose some control over the buying and selling of these drugs. The use of anabolic steroids in US without any prescription is considered illegal and may also result in one year of imprisonment or $1,000 fine. These steroids are derivatives of testosterone, a hormone found naturally in males. A healthy male produces 2 to 10 mg of testosterone. It helps in hair growth, deepening of voice, growth of reproductive system and increases the density of bones and muscles (Anabolic Steroids). Anabolic steroids were originally developed in the year 1930 for treating the cases in which the body is not able to make much testosterone for fulfilling the daily requirement. In the following years physicians tried using this drug for other purposes but did not achieve effective results. Disadvantages associated with the drug over shadow its benefits and therefore its use was restricted to medical purposes only. Anabolic steroids were used by pediatrics for stimulating the rate of growth in children whose growth rate was slow. The availability of the synthetic growth hormone has limited the use of this hormone as growth stimulator in children. It was also used in the treatment