Steroids

Steroids, large group of naturally occurring and synthetic lipids, or fat-soluble chemicals, with a great diversity of physiological activity. Synthetic steroids are well known for their use by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug.

The many different steroids include certain alcohols (sterols), bile acids, hormones, plant compounds, and the poisons found in the skin of some toads. Various sterols found in the skin of human beings are transformed into vitamin D when they are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. Cholesterol, a major contributor to arteriosclerosis, is a sterol.

Steroid hormones, which are similar but not identical to sterols, include the adrenal cortical steroids hydrocortisone, cortisone, aldosterone, and progesterone; and the female and male sex hormones (see Estrogen; Testosterone). Most oral contraceptives are synthetic steroids consisting of female sex hormones that inhibit ovulation (see Birth Control). Perhaps the most widely used steroids in medicine are cortisone and various synthetic derivatives of this substance. Such steroids are prescription drugs used for a variety of skin ailments, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and allergies, and various eye diseases, and in cases of adrenal insufficiency, or the malfunctioning of the adrenal cortex (see Adrenal Gland; Endocrine System).

Anabolic steroids induce weight gain and increased muscle mass. They were originally developed to treat cancer, osteoporosis, and body-wasting afflictions such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Synthetic steroids are derived primarily from the male sex hormone testosterone. In recent decades steroids have been abused by many athletes hoping to improve their performance. Besides providing an unfair competitive advantage for the user, steroids can have serious psychological and physiological side effects, including increased aggressive behavior (so-called ’roid rage), higher cholesterol, and greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and liver problems.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned the use of steroids in 1974 when testing was first developed. In one high-profile case, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his 1988 Olympic gold medal and world record in the 100-meter race after testing positive for steroids. In 1999 the IOC played a lead role in forming the World Anti-Doping Agency, which coordinates international efforts to police the use of steroids and other drugs by athletes. See also Olympic Games (modern).

Detecting steroid use remains a pressing problem, however. In 2003 a “designer steroid,” tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), was discovered when a syringe containing the compound was turned in to anti-doping officials anonymously. THG can now be detected by testing, but experts believe that new types of steroids are constantly being developed and used for performance enhancement.

Steroid use has also become a major problem in many team sports, such as baseball and football. In 2005 Major League Baseball officials responded to pressure from the United States Congress by greatly increasing the sport’s testing program and penalties for the illegal use of steroids.