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- $Unique_ID{BRK02487}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What Are the Dangers of Steroids?}
- $Subject{steroids build bodies muscles abusers drugs dependence endocrine
- glands gland metabolism medication medications medicines medicine drug steroid
- muscle strength lifestyle lifestyles hormones muscular}
- $Volume{C-23,R-18,C-18,R-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- What Are the Dangers of Steroids?
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- QUESTION: I have two brothers ages 28 and 34, both in good health, who are
- planning to take steroids to build up their bodies. I have heard so many
- negative stories about steroids that I am afraid they'll ruin their health
- though they insist that they're not harmful. Will you please list the harmful
- effects that could result? Maybe they'll listen to you. Thank you.
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- ANSWER: Let us hope so, for the path they are on is one that is loaded with
- real dangers to their health. And they are not the type of situations that
- are easily treated, or always disappear when the steroids are stopped.
- There are both undesirable physical and mental effects that go along with
- those muscles. Some of the physical problems they may expect to encounter
- include increased blood cholesterol levels, liver problems, acne, and high
- blood pressure. In addition males often develop secondary sexual
- characteristics associated with women, such breast enlargement and may become
- sterile. Women, on the other hand, develop deeper voices, facial hair and
- shrinking breasts. The mental problems include severe depression, often
- following withdrawal and extreme aggressiveness that leads to violence and
- troubles with the law. And that lists just some of the short term affects of
- which we are aware. There are still the long term affects to be considered,
- which for the most part still remain unknown and are unpredictable.
- While not always observed in all steroid abusers, there is growing
- concern that continued use can lead to dependence, forcing some to persist
- with the use of these drugs even when the ill effects of usage begin to
- appear. Once damage has occurred to specific organs, such as the liver, it
- may be permanent.
- It is tragic to think that the search for that perfect appearance,
- usually associated with glowing health, can lead to actions that in reality
- steal both the emotional and physical well being of the individual. Maybe
- your brothers won't head your warnings, but I have tried to tell it like it is
- and hope they will heed my warnings.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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