Hormones are substances that are naturally produced by various glands and organs in the body. They are responsible for a number of bodily functions and processes. Different types of hormones have different purposes and affect different parts of the body. When hormone imbalances exist, patients may be prescribed synthetic hormones that are produced in a laboratory setting. Unfortunately some of these prescription medications end up in the wrong hands and lead to hormone abuse.
Hormone abuse is most commonly linked to the use of anabolic steroids without a doctor’s prescription. Commonly used by athletes, it is estimated that as many as 4% of high school students have used steroids at some point. Synthetic anabolic steroids are intended to be used in limited types of hormone therapy. They may be used to rebuild tissue or to treat some types of breast cancer or anemia. They may also be prescribed to help treat men with low testosterone levels. Because they are recognized in the body as muscle building hormones, they can be very attractive to many people.
Many teens and adults take anabolic steroids without a prescription as a means of enhancing athletic performance and creating a muscular body. While the drugs do have a performance enhancing effects, they also can cause numerous complications when taken without a prescription.
Side Effects of Hormone Abuse
Side effects are very common with hormone abuse. Those who abuse steroids commonly experience hormone imbalances that can lead to decreased breast size, the growth of facial hair and a deepened voice in women, or baldness or the development of breasts in men. Other symptoms include acne, mood swings, aggression, impaired judgment, and extreme irritability. Because hormones are often injected, abusers are also at a higher risk of getting diseases like HIV or hepatitis. When hormone abuse is an ongoing problem, it can lead to stunted growth, high cholesterol, heart attack and liver cancer. In some cases, the side effects of hormone abuse do not become apparent until years later.
Treating Hormone Abuse
Those who abuse hormones may require professional help to stop. When an individual takes hormones regularly or over an extended period of time, it is possible to become addicted. Stopping often leads to unpleasant side effects associated with withdrawal. These side effects may include depression or reduced interest in sex. After stopping, some individuals may experience side effects later on in life. Ongoing treatment may be required to manage persistent symptoms.