| Item | Information | |------|-------------| | **Drug class** | Synthetic anabolic‑steroid hormone (derived from testosterone) | | **Common trade names** | Deca‑Dynabol, Decadron, Nandrelin, Nandrofast | | **Primary medical uses** | • Treat anemia of chronic disease (e.g., renal failure) • Reconstruct muscle mass after surgery or injury • Certain hormone‑deficiency disorders in men | | **Non‑therapeutic use** | Performance enhancement in athletes and bodybuilders (illegal without prescription) | | **Key pharmacologic action** | Binds androgen receptors → ↑ protein synthesis, muscle growth; ↓ catabolic processes | | **Side‑effect profile** | • Virilization in women: hirsutism, voice deepening, clitoromegaly • Liver toxicity (especially oral formulations) • Cardiovascular strain (hypertension, dyslipidemia) • Mood/behavior changes | | **Legal status** | Prescription‑only drug; banned in most professional sports; possession without prescription is illegal |
### Quick Reference – "What to Watch For"
| Category | Typical Manifestation | Why It Matters | |----------|-----------------------|----------------| | **Physical Signs** | Rapid growth of facial/body hair, deepening voice, menstrual irregularities | Indicative of androgen excess from anabolic steroids | | **Behavioral Changes** | Aggression, irritability, mood swings | Often linked to steroid‑induced neurochemical shifts | | **Medical Symptoms** | Liver enzyme elevations, cardiovascular strain, acne | Reflect systemic side effects that can be life‑threatening |
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## 3. How a Physical Therapist Can Detect and Address Steroid Use
### A. Initial Assessment & Screening 1. **History Taking** - Ask about exercise routines, supplements, performance-enhancing substances. - Include questions on weight changes, appetite shifts, or unusual cravings.
2. **Physical Examination** - Look for muscle hypertrophy patterns inconsistent with training goals. - Assess skin for acne, stretch marks, or unusual pigmentation. - Evaluate liver function (if available) through bloodwork referral.
3. **Functional Testing** - Compare strength and endurance tests to baseline or normative data. - Note any disproportionate gains in strength relative to muscular hypertrophy.
### B. Intervention Strategies 1. **Education on Risks** - Discuss potential side effects: liver damage, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular risks. - Emphasize the importance of safe training practices and balanced nutrition.
2. **Training Program Adjustments** - Introduce periodization with adequate rest periods to mitigate overtraining. - Incorporate mobility and recovery protocols (stretching, foam rolling, massage).
3. **Nutrition Guidance** - Ensure protein intake aligns with muscle repair needs without excessive caloric surplus. - Advise on micronutrients that support hormonal balance (e.g., zinc, magnesium).
4. **Monitoring & Follow-Up** - Track body composition changes to detect any abnormal trends. - Schedule periodic assessments of cardiovascular health and blood markers if needed.
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### 5. Conclusion
The athlete’s current weight is within the healthy range for his height, indicating that he is not over‑ or under‑weight. His BMI places him in the "normal" category. While a higher muscle mass can raise BMI values, it does not necessarily signal excess body fat. Regular monitoring of body composition, strength gains, and overall health will provide a more accurate picture than BMI alone.
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**Prepared by:** Your Name, Sports Medicine Specialist Date
