Exam 14: The Under-Recognized Problem of Steroid Abuseaddiction

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Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that are used to promote muscle and bone growth. While they are well-known for their misuse among athletes for performance enhancement, anabolic steroids have several legitimate medical uses. Some of the accepted medical uses of anabolic steroids include:

1. **Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)**: Anabolic steroids are used to treat men with low levels of testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, fatigue, low libido, and depression.

2. **Delayed Puberty**: In some cases, boys who experience delayed puberty are prescribed anabolic steroids to stimulate the onset of puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass, voice deepening, and growth of facial and body hair.

3. **Muscle Wasting Diseases**: Anabolic steroids can be prescribed to patients suffering from diseases that lead to muscle wasting, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. They help to prevent muscle loss and improve strength and physical functioning.

4. **Anemia**: Certain types of anabolic steroids have been used to treat anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells.

5. **Osteoporosis**: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.

6. **Hereditary Angioedema**: Anabolic steroids are sometimes used to prevent episodes in people with hereditary angioedema, which can cause swelling of the face, extremities, genitals, bowel wall, and throat.

7. **Breast Cancer**: In some instances, anabolic steroids have been used as part of the treatment for certain forms of breast cancer, although their use for this purpose has declined with the development of more targeted therapies.

8. **Endometriosis**: Anabolic steroids have been used to treat endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms.

It is important to note that the use of anabolic steroids for medical purposes is strictly regulated and should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal in many countries due to the potential for abuse and serious health risks. When prescribed by a doctor, the benefits and risks of anabolic steroid use are carefully weighed, and dosages are monitored to minimize side effects.