Doctor warns gym users on dire effects of steroid abuse
Tuesday August 05 2008
A leading doctor has warned of the potential side effects from the long-term misuse of anabolic steroids.
Dr Pat Troy, a Dublin-based drugs expert, said that anabolic steroids can cause liver disease, as well as infertility, high blood pressure and acne.
He said that many people who are misusing anabolic steroids would be on very strict diets and working out at the gym regularly, so they're very image conscious.
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"They become addicted to the image and it will become a drug they have to have. They get a bit more power, extra energy and more aggression," Dr Troy told the Irish Medical News.
Anabolic steroids are prescription only drugs in Ireland, but steroid abusers are sourcing them online and from other sources. Research has shown that the use of anabolic steroids has increased among image conscious groups. People fixated with sculpting their bodies use them to supplement diets and exercise regimes.
The increased use of doping agents among the general population was highlighted by the National Medicines Information Centre (NMIC), which called for legislation on the possession and use of anabolic androgenic steroids to be strengthened.
The misuse of anabolic steroids is estimated to occur in 1pc of the population and is increasing -- particularly in gym users.
Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass, improve physical appearance and enhance performance. Regular users report feelings of increased confidence after use.
They are also used medically to treat certain conditions including diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass.
According to the Irish Medicines Board, under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, anabolic steroids are restricted in Ireland to sale or supply on foot of a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
- Fiona Dillon
