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Anabolic-androgenic steroids and the adolescent
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Pediatric Annals
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Anabolic-androgenic steroids may pose limited health risks at low doses, but 17-alkylated versions can cause liver damage. Effective health strategies require more research on steroid effects and emphasize fair play over scare tactics.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Adolescent Medicine
- Sports Science
Background:
- Adolescence involves significant hormonal and behavioral changes, increasing vulnerability.
- Risk-taking behaviors, including the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are prevalent.
- Current understanding of AAS health risks is incomplete, hindering effective health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the hormonal and behavioral aspects of adolescent maturation.
- To evaluate the health risks associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid use.
- To identify effective strategies for deterring AAS use among athletes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hormonal and behavioral changes during adolescence.
- Analysis of existing data on the health effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
- Discussion of ethical considerations and fair play in sports.
Main Results:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids may not be severe health hazards at low, intermittent doses.
- 17-alkylated AAS derivatives present a higher risk of hepatotoxicity.
- The link between AAS and addictive behavioral effects requires further scientific validation.
Conclusions:
- Scare tactics regarding AAS side effects are ineffective due to limited evidence.
- Effective health education strategies are impeded by a lack of scientific information.
- Promoting fair play and ethical conduct is a more potent deterrent to AAS use than focusing solely on health risks.