Do you guys still remember steroids in I/GCSE Biology?
Using steroids to cheat in athletics
- In I/GCSE Biology, Performance in athletics enhanced by steroids
- Steroids – wrong choice + bad decision = disastrous
What are steroids?
- Berthold removed testes from cockerels = lost sexual function
- In I/GCSE Biology, Testes transplanted into cockerel abdomen = sexual function unaffected
- Male hormones are passed from the Testes and into the blood
- Male hormone = testosterone
- Steroids (hormones) = synthesised testosterone and other hormones, act in the same way.
- 1970 = athletic authorities banned use of steroids
- Fat-free body mass = total body mass – estimated mass of fat in body
- 1996 investigation on the effect of high doses of testosterone on weightlifters
- Placebo effect took place (strength increased in placebo group but were told their receiving steroids
Testosterone with Exercise
Body mass increase |
Fat-free body mass increase |
Greatest change in fat-free mass |
No percentage change in body fat |
Muscle size increase |
Strength increased |
Greatest strength increase |
Testosterone without Exercise
Body mass increase
No percentage change in body fat
Strength increased
Placebo with Exercise
Fat-free body mass increase
No percentage change in body fat
Strength increased
Placebo without Exercise
No percentage change in body fat
Is it harmful to take steroids? Yes --Side effects
In I/GCSE Biology, Problems in men and women |
Severe acne on face and back |
Liver damage |
Urinary and bowel problems |
Mood swings |
Strokes and blood clots |
High blood pressure and disease |
Nausea |
Bloating |
Aching joints |
Aggressive behaviour |
Increased risk of tendon injuries |
Problems in men |
Development of breasts |
Enlarged prostate |
Shrinkage of the testicles |
Reduced sperm count |
Impotence |
Reduced sperm count |
Impotence |
Baldness |
Headaches |
Problems in women |
Reduced breast size |
Enlarged clitoris |
Increase in facial and body hair |
Deepened voice |
Menstrual problems |
That's all~