Let's find out exactly what steroids are. Your child is not in danger, right?

"Steroids"... You've probably heard these words somewhere, right? Maybe among athletes, at the gym, or in the news. Most of the time, they're talked about as something used to build body mass and improve skills. But, what exactly are steroids? What are the pros and cons of them? What are the reasons, especially for our young children, that they are tempted by this? We'll talk about all of this today. Because knowing this properly can be very important for you and your family.

Steroids are not the same thing! There are two types!

Yes, "steroids" are not always what we immediately think of when we hear them. There are two main types.

1. Corticosteroids - These are the medications that doctors prescribe!

Imagine you have asthma, or a skin allergy, or a complex disease like lupus. At times like these, a doctor may give you a medication called corticosteroids . For example, cortisone is one such medication. These are used to control inflammation in the body, which means swelling and redness. These are completely different from the steroids that bodybuilders and athletes use. These are not them!

2. Anabolic Steroids - These are the "bad" steroids!

These are the ones that people often talk about when they say "steroids," and they can be a bit dangerous. These are also called anabolic-androgenic steroids . Simply put, these are synthetic hormones that are made in a lab. The main purpose of these is to build muscle, strengthen existing muscle, and stop it from breaking down.

Some athletes use these to artificially enhance their performance. That is, they can run faster, jump farther, lift heavier, hit harder, or stay in shape for longer. However, in many countries, including Sri Lanka, it is illegal to use these anabolic steroids without a prescription from a doctor.

Another one in this group is Androstenedione , or "Andro" for short. This is also used by some athletes to build muscle. But it is also a controlled substance because it can be harmful to health. Also, it has not been proven that it really has a significant anabolic effect.

Why are people, especially young people, tempted to use anabolic steroids?

There could be several reasons for this. You may have seen that world-famous baseball players, cycling champions, and athletes have been caught using steroids. Some have even admitted to using them. The purpose is to get ahead of others in competitions, to gain an advantage.

The sad thing is, this trend has now reached even young athletes . It could be a kid on a school team, or it could be a young person playing at the provincial or national level.

Imagine, someone you know has a child on the school cricket team. He may be under a lot of pressure from his friends, maybe even the coaches, to "build up his muscles", "increase his power". Maybe someone might even say, "Hey... let's try some steroids? The results will be quick."

These are the kinds of pressures that often push young people in this direction:

• The desire and pressure to be stronger and faster.
• The need to understand university teams and national teams.
• The desire to have a "beautiful body" and stand out from others.

Although steroids promise great results, there is little evidence to support their effectiveness. However, the potential harm they can cause to a child's growing body is significant. Some side effects may not become apparent until years later.

How do these anabolic steroids work in the body?

Anabolic steroids are substances that are chemically similar to the sex hormone testosterone, which is naturally produced in our bodies. Testosterone is a very important hormone for men. It is what causes male characteristics such as muscle growth, facial hair, and a deepening voice during puberty in boys.

So, when someone takes anabolic steroids, their blood testosterone levels are artificially increased. This signals the muscles in their bodies to grow bigger and stronger. However, getting too much testosterone in the body in this way can be very harmful in the long run.

What are the dangers of anabolic steroids?

There are several reasons why these are dangerous:

• They are illegal: using them without a doctor's permission is a serious offense.
• Serious health problems can occur:Especially if used in large doses for a long time. Some problems only appear after years.
• Buying online is risky: You may end up with a counterfeit product, which may even contain toxic ingredients.

Possible side effects and health problems caused by anabolic steroids

Even though you might think these will cause a rash, the actual side effects are not insignificant.

Harm to the reproductive system:

Using these for a long time can cause serious damage to the reproductive system.

• For men:
• Sexual weakness, that is, impotence , may occur.
• Sperm production in the testicles may decrease.
• The testicles can even become smaller.
• For women:
• Various problems can occur during the menstrual cycle . This is because these steroids can disrupt the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries.
• This can lead to fertility problems in later life.

Things that can happen if you use it for a longer period of time:

• Stunted growth in young people: Imagine, bones quickly shrink and growth stops at a young age. This cannot be reversed.
• Liver tumors can occur.
• Abnormal heart muscle enlargement: This can lead to heart disease .
• Violent, aggressive behavior and mood swings: This is also called "roid rage."
• The levels of blood lipids (e.g. cholesterol) are disturbed, increasing the risk of developing heart disease .
• Acne increases, or existing acne becomes worse.
• Increased breast growth in males (gynecomastia): This can occur, especially at a young age.
• Irreversible stretch marks: These are difficult to get rid of.
• Hair loss and male-pattern baldness are increasing.
• Frequent muscle aches.

Things that can happen specifically to girls:

• Male-type facial and body hair growth.
• Male-pattern baldness.
• Deepening of the voice.
• Abnormal enlargement of the clitoris.

Look at how many problems you have to face just for a small advantage! Some of these things can affect you for a lifetime.

There are also legal issues, right?

Yes, definitely. Not only are there health risks, but there are also legal issues.

• It is illegal to possess, use, or sell steroids without a doctor's prescription.
• Drug testing of athletes for drugs and stimulants is now very common.
• If you are caught using steroids in a test like this, you could face large fines, prison time (especially at the international level), a ban from competition, and even having to return any medals or trophies you have won.
• Even the "Andro" we talked about earlier has been banned by many major sports organizations like the International Olympic Committee, NFL, and NBA. In our country, these are banned from the school level as well.

As a parent, as a friend, what else do we need to know about this?

Young athletes can face a lot of pressure to use steroids. Many athletes work hard, eat right, and take care of their bodies to achieve their fitness and performance goals. However, the pressure to be better than others and to stay "fit" can sometimes be overwhelming.

You can help your child cope with these types of pressures by:

• Talk to him about what healthy competition is. Talk about things like winning, effort, participation, and fair play.
• Talk to his coaches, team members, and other players about their attitudes toward steroids. Perhaps the coach himself is educating the kids against this.
• Be aware of the sports environments your child is involved in. Find out what the pressures are there and what the effects are on children.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, get enough rest and sleep, and help and encourage your child to prepare mentally and physically for competitions.

If you suspect that you are using steroids, look out for these signs:

You can't tell if you're using steroids just by looking at these, but if you have more than one of these symptoms, you should be a little more careful:

• Sudden, uncontrollable, exaggerated mood swings: feeling suddenly happy, then suddenly extremely angry or agitated.
• More acne or sudden worsening of existing acne.
• The skin becomes unusually oily, and new stretch marks appear (especially on the shoulders, chest, and arms).
• Suddenly, in a short period of time, the muscles become unusually large (sudden increase in muscle size).

If you see these symptoms in your child, it's best not to panic, but to talk to him or her and see a doctor for advice. Although steroids may temporarily make you feel stronger and more capable, the potential harm they can cause is much greater and more dangerous.

When news stories about world-famous athletes using steroids are in the news, take the opportunity to talk to your child about it. You can then explain the health risks, legal issues, and the fact that using steroids is cheating .

So, the last thing I have to say is... (Take-Home Message)

Steroids, especially anabolic steroids, are no joke. The long-term harm they can cause to your body, mind, and life far outweighs any immediate benefits you might think they can provide.

• Always remember, what matters is being healthy, working hard, and showing your talents fairly.
• If you or someone you know is having a problem with this, talk to a trusted adult or a doctor.
• Be aware and educate others. Because ignorance is why so many people get into trouble like this.

I hope this information will help you have a healthy and successful future for your child, your friends, and yourself!

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