Steroids and Your Kids?
What About Your Child?
According to the majority of recent polls, 3%–4% of high school students self-report using anabolic (muscle-building) steroids at some point. That amount is probably a low-ball estimate due to underreporting issues. All of these prescription medications, which are simple to buy online, are based on chemical alterations of testosterone, a potent male hormone. Moreover, women are counted in this total. When referring to children, the abbreviation for human performance enhancement (HPE) is frequently changed to HPEA, where the A stands for appearance. Do you recall how frequently you used the mirror when you were a teenager? Were we slender, tall, and fit enough?
In collegiate and professional sports, the prevalence of steroid use probably rises. This is due to at least three factors. The first is the concentration effect brought on by steroid users joining professional and collegiate teams. The second is a result of the pressure to perform that comes with remaining on such teams, and the third is encouraged by the financial benefits of being the biggest and fastest. An athlete becomes practically invincible when such qualities are paired with natural talent and timing, making them an inspiration for your sports-inclined child.
Adults can use steroids for varied lengths of time with little risk to benefit, but for adolescents, whose hormonal balance throughout puberty and rapid growth is exquisitely balanced, the situation is obviously the opposite. During this crucial time, an unbalanced hormonal system might have long-lasting consequences.
Dangers of Teenage Steroid Usage
There are several thorough medical publications on the harmful side effects of teenage anabolic steroid use. My earlier posts on teenagers and testosterone-impersonating substances concentrated on the prevalence and warning indicators. In my capacity as a doctor, father, and former doping control official, I reduce them to their basic physical and psychological components.
Stunted development as a result of the premature maturation of bone growth, liver toxicity, testicular shrinkage, and sexual dysfunction are serious health-endangering issues with early onset (within a few years). Male breast tissue expansion, balding, an increase in body hair, and a deepening of the voice in both sexes are examples of side effects that affect appearance. Menstrual issues and clitoral hypertrophy are frequent.
Suicide has been linked to severe issues with behavioral control (‘roid rage), violent behavior, and self-destructive behavior.
The heart, circulatory system, and sex organs are all susceptible to a wide range of late onset issues. These fall under the category of premature aging, and it may be challenging to connect them to steroid use in youth.
All of the aforementioned depend on the dosage and length of usage to determine the rate of onset and level of hazard. Remember that steroid addiction is a possibility. Make sure your child is aware of the hazards outlined above if you suspect they are using steroids. They can get the body build boost they want by clicking online, but it won’t be a free lunch.
In addition to being the mayor of Del Mar and an accomplished author, scholar, and TV pundit, Harvey also enjoys cycling. He lives in Park City and San Diego and worked as a doping control officer at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.
