Female Hormones and Sports
Hormones are the secretory substances that convey signals between the cells usually via blood. Various hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands which include pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals ovaries, testes, pancreatic islets, certain portions of the gastrointestinal tract and the placenta.
The effects of hormones are manifested slowly and they have influential role in growth and development, metabolism, reproduction cycle, activation or controlling of the immune system and emotional status. Since hormones act as chemical messengers between the cells, too much or too less of hormones can cause far reaching changes in the cells.
Chemical Classes of Hormones
Hormones fall into three chemical classes. They are the following:
Amine-derived hormones: Derivatives of the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. E.g. Catecholamines, Thyroxine.
Peptide hormones: Consist of chains of amino acids. E.g. TRH and Vasopressin. Peptides constituted of scores or hundreds of amino acids are known as proteins. Examples of protein hormones include insulin and growth hormone.
Lipid and phospholipid-derived hormones: Derived from lipids such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid and phospholipids. Main categories include steroid hormones derived from cholesterol and the eicosanoids. Examples of steroid hormones are testosterone and cortisol.
Steroid Hormones
Steroid hormones are steroids that act as hormones. They have crucial physiological functions which range from anti-inflammatory to regulatory functions during stages like pregnancy. There are several types of steroid hormones. One type of steroid produced by the adrenal glands is an anti-swelling chemical known as cortisone. Cortisone is used to treat a variety of illnesses like asthma, rashes, and several varieties of swelling or inflammation. One side effect of cortisone is that it suppresses the immune system.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone. They accelerate protein synthesis and hence are responsible for muscle build up.
Anabolic steroids were synthesized as early as in 1930. They have been used therapeutically in the treatment of cancer, certain types of anemia and AIDS. Also they are used to increase muscle mass and physical strength. However, excessive doses of anabolic steroids can have harmful consequences like changes in cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver damage, acne and heart diseases.
Steroids Abuse
Excessive doses of steroids can produce serious health risks. Athletes are in the forefront of steroid abuse who use it mainly for increased energy, endurance and power. It should be noted that such practices damage the reputation and spirit of the sports itself.
Effects of Steroid Abuse
Steroid abuse can cause aggressive behavior, mood swings and impaired judgment. There is an increased possibility of steroid abusers turning to drug addicts in future. Other harmful effects of steroids include baldness, acne, and liver diseases. Steroids can also lead to heart diseases, stimulate the growth of certain types of cancers and interfere with other illnesses. When taken by injection steroids place the user at the risk of diseases like hepatitis or AIDS. Anabolic steroids are known to retard growth when taken excessively.
In view of the harmful effects of steroids it is time athletes desist from using them to uphold the spirit and value of their profession as well as life.