The rush of crossing the finish line first, the joy of scoring the winning run, and the pain that can come with a loss are all things that encourage athletes to push themselves to be their best. They train day in and day out, but some athletes are willing to do whatever it takes to win. In this case, the issue of anabolic androgenic steroids comes into play. These drugs are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone that can increase both strength and bodyweight by 5-20% and 2-5 kg respectively (Hartgens, Fred, and Harm Kuipers). However, these drugs can also have serious negative effects on the body.
With the use of these drugs, mood disturbances can occur, leading to increased aggression and hostility within the individual taking the steroids, along with extreme body dysmorphia and depression that can be effects of withdrawal (Hartgens, Fred, and Harm Kuipers). In a study performed in 2017, it was also found that AAS use can cause a decrease in luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, and endogenous testosterone levels. These levels did not return to normal until 13-24 weeks after the discontinuation of the steroid use (Christou, Maria A et al.). Along with this, the prolonged use of the steroids had negative effects on fertility and could cause menstrual irregularities (Christou, Maria A et al.).
Keeping this in mind, I cannot help but wonder how ethical the consumption of these drugs truly is. With such negative mental and physical effects that can be long lasting, prescribing these drugs without serious medical consideration does not seem to keep non malfeasance in mind. By allowing athletes or other physically active individuals to use these drugs simply to increase their PR’s becomes unfair to the individual by implicating their long term health for short term glory. They will not be in that good of shape forever, time does not allow it. So, why risk one’s long term health to reach such a short term goal?
Keeping this in mind, I cannot help but wonder how ethical the consumption of these drugs truly is. With such negative mental and physical effects that can be long lasting, prescribing these drugs without serious medical consideration does not seem to keep non malfeasance in mind. By allowing athletes or other physically active individuals to use these drugs simply to increase their PR’s becomes unfair to the individual by implicating their long term health for short term glory. They will not be in that good of shape forever, time does not allow it. So, why risk one’s long term health to reach such a short term goal?
References:
Hartgens, Fred, and Harm Kuipers. “Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 34,8 (2004): 513-54. doi:10.2165/00007256-200434080-00003
Christou, Maria A et al. “Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Reproductive System of Athletes and Recreational Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 47,9 (2017): 1869-1883. doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0709-z
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