Drugs in sport: Anabolic steroids.

The idea

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, the hormone that drives male secondary sexual characteristics and protein synthesis. In A-Level Physical Education you must know what they are, why athletes use them, the specific sports or events where they are most likely to be chosen, their physiological effects and the serious health risks. They are taken to increase muscle mass, strength and power, and to speed recovery from heavy training, so they appeal to sprinters, throwers, weightlifters, rugby players and bodybuilders. Side effects include liver and kidney damage, raised blood pressure, acne, reduced sperm production, testicular atrophy, gynaecomastia in males, masculinisation in females, mood swings and increased aggression. They are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and detected through urine and blood testing.

What earns the marks

• Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the hormone testosterone.
• Typical users include sprinters, throwers, weightlifters, rugby players and bodybuilders.
• Physiological effects include increased protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy.
• Health risks include liver and kidney damage, raised blood pressure, acne and reduced sperm production.
• Males may experience testicular atrophy and gynaecomastia; females may experience masculinisation.
• Psychological effects include mood swings and increased aggression.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking anabolic steroids are the same as stimulants.

  Put it right: They are hormones used mainly for muscle growth and recovery, not for immediate alertness.

• Believing steroids are safe if taken under medical supervision.

  Put it right: Non-prescribed use for performance is illegal and carries serious health risks.

• Assuming only male athletes use them.

  Put it right: Female athletes also use them, and females face masculinisation effects.

• Confusing anabolic effects with catabolic effects.

  Put it right: Anabolic means building tissue, not breaking it down.

Exam tips

• Link each drug to a named type of event or athlete so the answer is specific rather than generic.
• Use correct terminology such as testosterone, protein synthesis, muscle hypertrophy and gynaecomastia.
• When asked to evaluate, give both the performance benefit and the health or ethical cost before reaching a judgement.