Steroids

Steroids are basically similar molecular structures. They include any class of lipid which has a molecular structure consisting of four connected carbon rings with hydrogen molecules attached. The atoms attached to the central structure of a steroid are the only difference between different steroids. Despite all the negative press on the abuses and dangers of steroid use, many steroids are actually biologically active hormones valuable and necessary to optimum body functioning. Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, some forms of vitamin D, cholesterol and bile acid. Steroids are used in treating arthritis, oral contraceptives, skin ailments and Addison's disease among others. Steroids are not specific to humans either. They are also found in plants and invertebrates. They are used in many forms (topical, injection, pill form, inhalants) and are used to help combat a variety of afflictions, from asthma to AIDS. On the other hand, anabolic steroids, artificially made hormones that mimic testosterone are often abused and cause health problems, particularly in athletes and body builders who attempt their use to increase muscle mass. This analysis will cover many of the positive and negative effects of steroids, their different uses and research regarding the dangers of misusing artificially manufactured ones. A conclusion will address the likely future of steroid use to combat human ailments.

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ging the steroids he was using into the U.S. illegally. Dr. Jekot notices that of all his AIDS patients, those who were body-building anabolic steroid takers seemed to fare much better than those who were not. AIDS patients suffer from many things, including wasting and hypergonadism or the depletion of hormones. Jekot began using anabolic steroids and they proved to be quite effective. However, he felt foreign anabolic steroids were more powerful than those available in the U.S., so, despite his success with the treatment he was sent to jail. Many argue that his sentence came about as a result of the fear and ignorance associated with the use of anabolic steroids "Ignorance about anabolic steroids, couple with political opportunism, has created a climate of fear regarding drugs that has delayed the broad acceptance of a life-saving therapy for HIV/AIDS patients. Worse yet, ineptitude and bad faith on the part of the administrative, legislative and judicial branches of government have combined to create real injustice for a man who has discovered a therapy that may prove to be one of the very best hopes of extending and improving the quality of lives of HIV/AIDS patients worldwide." The use of anabolic steroids remains ve

Category: Psychology - S