This paper will go over naturally produced steroids, synthetically produced anabolic steroids and review both the negative physical and psychological effects of anabolic steroids on teenagers.

Steroids are a class of hormones synthesized from cholesterol. All steroids share the same basic four-ring carbon structure, but are different in the number of carbon atoms attached to the number 17 carbon atom in the structure, and in the number in which hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and the hydroxyl (OH) groups are attached to the carbon atoms. A steroid, known as corticosteroid, is an anti-inflammatory and breaks tissue down. This is different from the steroid known as anabolic. Anabolic steroids usually refer to synthetically produced steroids, which are derivatives of testosterone. Natural testost

Some steroid supplements such as testosterone can provide an improved immune system, making it easier for the body to recover and fend off viruses. The body can then become dependant on the steroid supplements and the bodies immune system must be recharged after steroid use has been discontinued. Often when a individual discontinues their steroid use they allow themselves to become run down, leading to a tendency to become infected with viruses, colds and sometimes pneumonia.

When a teenager has not reached their predicted height uses steroids it is most likely that they will not grow to their full possibility. All steroid compounds promote the closure epiphyseal plates, which stops bone growth.

Another risk that can occur with needle users of steroids are that sometimes people take injections of steroids to enhance oral doses. The needles used are usually large gauge, reusable needles obtained through the black market. If needles are shared, users run the risk of transmitting or contracting the HIV virus that can lead to AIDS.

Within males excessive levels of testosterone can often be changed into the female sex hormone estrogen. This can result into some female characteristics such as the formation of breasts (gynecomastia), which is an increased tendency towards fatty deposits. This mostly occurs when a male has discontinued steroid use and his androgen level is being over shadowed by estrogen. This can be classified as Feminization.

The liver processes anabolic steroids. Elevated liver counts indicating liver stress have been reported in recent studies( ) With the use of C-17, (alkylated oral steroids)for years of continued use, many of the users end up with a particular type of anemia linked to liver tumors. The more serious problems related anabolic steroids include liver cancer and peliosis hepatitis (blood filled sacs within the liver).

Steroid molecules being carried along by the blood enters muscle cells and binds to their receptor sites. The chemical connection that is formed effect certain metabolic changes with in a cell. One of the main changes is increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which leads to increased size and strength of the muscle cell. Once the steroid molecule delivers its cellular message, it moves on to other receptor sites and delivers its message over and over. This is why we see the changes in muscle mass. Anabolics also obtain mas

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Approximate Word count = 1628
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)