Steroids And AAS Research Paper

Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) are a topic of debate within the health and wellness community. Research conducted by Pope et al. (2014), put estimated lifetime steroid use in America between 2.9-4.0 million people. The primary areas of discussion cover anabolic-androgenic steroids research methods, possible benefits and side effects the drug may produce.
Research
Much of the research on AAS is not conclusive, and has relied on previous or current users, not controlled settings. Data collected by Ismail et al. (2013), was individuals who had recreationally used or were using steroids, and compared it to seven control members. This highlights the issue of not being able to eliminate excess variables and possible outside influences.
Hartgens and Kuipers (2004), found possible side effects include cardiovascular disorders, reproductive organ changes, acne, mood disturbances, increased blood pressure, raised LDL, and behavioral issues. The side effects were not present in all individuals and varied based off of dosage and duration of use. Ip, Trinh, Tenerowicz, Pal, Lindfelt, and Perry (2014), conducted research on older (>40 years of age), and found “AAS misuse is prevalent among older men and is associated with polypharmacy, more aggressive alcohol use, and a higher incidence of substance dependence and anxiety disorders compared to nonusers.” The list of possible side effects outnumbers the benefits, and has three main
Cardiovascular complications may be tied left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH). Ismail, et al. (2013), agreed there was an increased chance of LVH, and conducted a study to research the implications. There were no conclusive findings, but Ismail et al. believed additional research was necessary to further investigate raised endocardial myocardial blood flow at rest. One possible view on cardiovascular changes is due to the heart being a muscle, and the effects of AAS on muscular make up. Reproductive organs in the male body produce testosterone and undergo changes when high levels of AAS are administered. Oda and El-Ashmawy (2012), found AAS use in male rabbits reduced sperm count, lowered motility and seminal volume, atrophy of the testes and a decrease in serum testosterone levels. The possible cause of these changes is the direct relationship between the human created testosterone’s creator, and the reaction it has with a synthetic version. Behavior changes may be noted in AAS users, and may be caused by a change in hormonal balance. Increased levels of aggression and mood swings may be associated with AAS use. Individuals who are taking AAS may be more prone to eating disorders and body dysmorphia, due to obsessive type relationships with their body and