Anabolic-androgenic steroids: use and abuse in pediatric patients.
*Anabolic Agents/adverse effects; *Androgens/adverse effects; *Doping in Sports/prevention & control; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior/drug effects; Child; Humans; Sports Medicine; Substance Abuse Detection; Substance-Related Disorders/etiology; Testosterone Congeners
The "win at all costs" mentality fuels athletes to seek performance-enhancing substances, such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, to gain an advantage over their opponents. Nonathletes espouse this same attitude to "win" the battle of attractiveness. An enhanced understanding of anabolic-androgenic steroids and the motivations behind their abuse will arm pediatricians with the ability to engage their patients in a balanced discussion of the benefits and costly risks of anabolic-androgenic steroids and successfully deter further use.
Kerr Julie M; Congeni Joseph A
Pediatric Clinics of North America
2007
2007-08
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2007.04.010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.pcl.2007.04.010</a>
Testosterone precursors: use and abuse in pediatric athletes.
*Androstenediols/adverse effects; *Androstenedione/adverse effects; *Dehydroepiandrosterone/adverse effects; *Doping in Sports; Child; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Substance Abuse Detection
The dietary supplements androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenediol are precursors in the endogenous production of testosterone. The efficacy and safety of these prohormones are not well established but are promoted to have the same androgenic effects on building muscle mass and strength as anabolic-androgenic steroids. Studies have demonstrated repeatedly that acute and long-term administration of these oral testosterone precursors does not effectively increase serum testosterone levels and fails to produce any significant changes in lean body mass, muscle strength, or performance improvement compared with placebo. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 lists androstenedione as a schedule III controlled substance, and it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testosterone precursors are banned by most major sports organizations.
Smurawa Troy M; Congeni Joseph A
Pediatric Clinics of North America
2007
2007-08
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2007.05.002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.pcl.2007.05.002</a>