Steriods Chem 101

Unlike any other time in history, the twenty first century has created a social climate in which competitiveness and the drive to succeed have become essential components of daily life.  In order to attain the highest level of success and stay one step ahead of the competition many individuals are choosing to supplement themselves with some of the best that science has to offer.  Although synthetic chemicals have many different effects and can be used for a variety of reasons, the following literature will focus on anabolic steroid use for the purpose of increased physical performance.  More specifically this paper will identify the true definition of an anabolic steroid, its pharmacology (chemical composition and mechanism of action), beneficial/side effects as well as, a brief discussion of anabolic steroids in sports and the mainstream media.

Anabolic Steroids

            Prior to beginning the discussion, the term anabolic steroid must be defined. An anabolic steroid is a synthetically created chemical designed to imitate the effects of the male hormone testosterone. Anabolic steroids differ from the medical class of steroids known as corticosteroids, which are used primarily as anti-inflammatory agents and have catabolic side effects. Essentially anabolic steroids are chemicals that are the catalyst for increased protein synthesis by the muscle cells, allowing recovery and muscle building to occur at an accelerated pace. These characteristics make anabolic steroids a perfect treatment option for medical patients suffering from wasting or muscular degenerative diseases. However, over the past twenty years the use of anabolic steroids by bodybuilders, athletes and average gym goers has exploded.

Pharmacology

The anabolic steroid is composed of lipid molecules including cholesterol, the steroid hormone and bile salts. The combination of these molecules “leads to the formation of isoprenoids (five-carbon isoprene molecular units), and finally to the...