STEROID MISUSE
After the first synthesis of testosterone in 1935, it took less than two decades for anabolic steroids to be misused in professional sporting competition. In the years since they have been used in a myriad of sports and are still predominant in unregulated sports today, such as bodybuilding. Synthetic testosterone is the most infamous anabolic steroid for misuse, or ‘doping’. Our bodies synthesise testosterone naturally, with men producing more than women, which helps us build lean muscle. But synthetically increasing the amount of testosterone in our cells can trigger the production of more lean muscle than is achievable by our natural limits. While testosterone doping can increase lean muscle mass and improve strength, it can also cause severe side effects. In men these include shrunken testicles, breast development, and an increased risk of prostate cancer. In women these include growth of facial hair, severe acne, and period problems. Both genders are also at additional risk of heart attacks and strokes.