Definition of 'anabolic steroid'See anabolic steroid defined for English-language learners. See anabolic steroid defined for kids. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anabolic steroid. Encyclopedia article about anabolic steroid. What made you want to look up anabolic steroid? Please simple definition of anabolic steroids us where you read or heard it including the quote, if possible.
Anabolic Steroid | Definition of Anabolic Steroid by Merriam-Webster
Kids dream of being professional athletes, and why not? It's fun to think about being the very best in your favorite sport, not to mention earning a big salary. But in recent years, people have been looking more closely at the way some athletes get their bodies into super shape — tough enough to break records.
Some athletes have admitted using steroids, which are artificial hormones that can improve strength and muscle mass. Steroids are illegal and they can cause serious health problems, but studies still show some kids, teens, and adults are willing to try them. Let's talk about what steroids are, how they can affect your body, and why it's a good idea to avoid them. Your body naturally produces some steroids, to help you fight stress and grow bigger during puberty.
But your body knows just the right amount that you need, so there's no need to take any extra. There's also a type of medicine called steroids that people might take if they have pain, asthma , or a skin problem. But these aren't the kind of steroids getting attention in sports. When people say steroids say: STARE-oydz , they often mean illegal anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are artificially produced hormones that are the same as, or similar to, androgens, the male-type sex hormones in the body.
The most powerful of these is testosterone say: Anabolic steroids can be taken in the form of pills, powders, or injections. Anabolic steroids are always illegal, meaning that you could get arrested for buying, selling, or taking them. Some athletes take anabolic steroids because of their testosterone-like effects, such as increasing muscle mass and strength. This might sound like just a guy thing, but girls also have used steroids to get stronger and change the way they look.
And it's not only professional athletes who have taken these illegal drugs. Investigations and studies have shown that teens, college athletes, and others have taken steroids. There are supplements available that contain anabolic steroids. You might see ads for these on the Internet or in the back of sports or body building magazines. Some have been banned in the United States while others are still legal. Kids should not take any steroid supplement, even those that are still on the market.
Anabolic steroids cause many different types of problems. Less serious side effects include acne , oily hair, purple or red spots on the body, swelling of the legs and feet, and really bad breath. A kid or teen who takes steroids might not grow as tall as he or she was supposed to grow. Because steroids can be injected given in a shot , users run the risk of getting illnesses that can be passed through needles that are dirty or shared.
Though some problems may show up right away, others may not appear for years. Your health is the No. But there's another very important reason: It's just not fair. When people use steroids, it gives them an unfair advantage against others who trained and practiced without using illegal steroids. And because all levels of sports — from high school to the pros — are testing athletes for steroid use, there's a good chance the person will get caught.
Then, he or she will face a lot of embarrassment and could be banned from the sport. But maybe worst of all, any achievements the athlete made while on steroids could be questioned. Someone might say, "He didn't really deserve to be on the All-Star team, he was on steroids. So win on your own power — without steroids. Then, you can hang on to all your honors — and your health! For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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