PSY 853 PRESENTATION – Chapter 14

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Androgenic-anabolic steroids

• Androgenic-anabolic steroids are chemicals related to the male hormone testosterone.

– They have: 1. Muscle –building (anabolic) effects

2. Masculinizing effects

Steroids and Body Functions

• Steroids affect body functions by: 1. Overwhelming the system that regulates

levels of testosterone including the testes, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland.

2. Shut off production of gonadotropin-releasing factor (GRF), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

3. Shut off process of spermatogenesis.

Anabolic Steroids

• In summary, anabolic steroids: – Block the normal process that regulates

spermatogenesis, testosterone, and male fertility.

– Exert peripheral hormone actions to increase muscle mass and produce a more masculine appearance.

– Exert central effects that increase aggression.

Steroids and Muscles

• Steroids increase muscle mass by: 1. Steroids enter the blood stream and pass through cell walls

of target tissues. 2. Attaches to steroid receptors in the cytoplasm of the cell. 3. The hormone-receptor complex moves into the nucleus of

the cell, attaching to DNA. 4. Genetic transcription occurs, producing RNA, a new

messenger. 5. RNA translation results in the production of specific new

proteins that leave the cell and mediate the biological functions of the hormone.

6. Increased protein synthesis = increased muscle mass.

Withdrawal

• Withdrawal from anabolic steroids can be accompanied by psychological depression, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and decreased libido, however no defined withdrawal syndrome has been described, although depression is commonplace.

• Similar to all psychoactive drugs, treatment of steroid dependence requires abstaining from the drug, treating withdrawal symptoms, and maintaining drug abstinence.

Users

• The two most frequent users of steroids are teenage and young adult males and competitive athletes.

– Similarities • Both use the drug to gain more muscle strength and

a more powerful, muscular appearance.

– Differences

• Competitive athletes often choose to terminate drug use when competition ends, but nonathlete youths may continue to take steroids in order to maintain the cosmetic effect.

Effects

• Anticatabolic effects – Anabolic steroids block the action of natural

cortisone, which normally functions to increase energy stores during periods of stress and training. Also the major mechanism by which these drugs increase body mass.

Effects

• Anabolic effects – Follow both the synthesis of new protein in

muscle cells and steroid-induced release of endogenous growth hormone. The increased protein synthesis increases muscle mass and strength and produces a more masculine appearance.

Effects

• Motivational effects – Athletes taking steroids often develop very

aggressive personalities, “roid rage,” serving the purpose of enhancing combativeness.

Side Effects

• Endocrine effects– Males experience a hypogonadal state

characterized by atrophy of the testicles, impaired production of sperm, and infertility, causing reduced libido and impotence.

Side Effects

• Cardiovascular effects Increased risk of coronary artery disease due to:

a. Reduction in serum HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)

B. Elevation in LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)

C. a + b = greater risk of developing atheromatous plaques within arteries

Side Effects

• Effects on the liver – Increased risk of liver diseases (i.e. jaundice

and tumors).

Summary of Side Effects

1. Cardiovascular – increase in cardiac risk factors. 2. Hepatic effects associated with oral compounds – liver tumors. 3. Reproductive system:

– Males – infertility, testicular atrophy – Females – Altered menstruation

4. Endocrine effects – decreased thyroid function. 5. Musculoskeletal – increased risk of tendon tears 6. Cosmetic:

– Males – accelerated male pattern baldness, acne, testicular atrophy

– Females – Increased facial/body hair, deepened voice, coarsening of the skin

Psychological Effects

• Psychological effects associated with the use of steroids include:

1. Risk of habituation 2. Severe mood swings 3. Aggressive tendencies

– Aggression – Competitiveness – Combativeness

4. Psychotic episodes - Large doses may produce marked signs of mania and or aggression

5. Depression 6. Reports of suicide

Education

• The misuse of these substances may be prevented by education. Education is needed because steroids produce a desirable outer appearance often associated with good health, therefore many people may not know about the adverse and damaging effects of the drug.