going concernabout the long term effects of steroid use. The FederalTrade Commission, which helps protect consumers againstunfair or deceptive business practices continually urgesmanufacturers to disclose the possible risks of takingsteroid hormones and stimulants. These typically includesteroids like androstenedione and stimulants like ephedra. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission requests labels onproducts containing these body boosters to warn of unwantedchanges in male and female sexual characteristics andspecial dangers to persons at increased risk for prostateand breast cancer. The FTC also says that most companiesare unable to substantiate their claims of safety or thelack of side effects. (Funk, 21-22). Furthermore, there isa concern among nutrition experts that athletes may thinkthat if a little is good, then a lot is better. Whenproducts contain ephedra or caffeine, then these stimulantscan ultimately lead to heart attacks, seizures, stroke, oreven death. Can most athletes personally determine theamount of steroids or supplement use they can safely consumeto enhance athletic performance, or is there a possibilitythat misuse can lead to long term ill effects? Sometimesathletes trade little known long term effects to be a winnerin a sports event. This, of course, presents the problem ofwhether these same athletes are shortchanging their healthfor a moment of glory. Anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives havethree areas of action for interest and concern. First theycan reverse effects of glucorticoid and help metalgolizeingested proteins. This converts a negative nitrogenbalance into a positive one. Second, anabolic effectsdirectly induces skeletal muscle synthesis. Third, there isa “steroid rush” a state of euphoria and decreased fatiguethat allows the athlete to train harder and longer.(Ahrendt, 12). Other side effects reported have been waterretention, acne, gynecomastia or formation of br...
