Mind Over Matter - Teacher's Guide

Steroids

Anabolic steroids are chemicals that are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone and are used by an increasing number of young people to enhance their muscle size. While anabolic steroids are quite successful at building muscle, they can damage many body organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. They may also trigger dependency in users, particularly when taken in the large doses that have been known to be used by many bodybuilders and athletes.

• Mechanism of Action
  Anabolic steroids are taken either orally in pill form or by injection. Steroids are able to alter the functioning of many organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. They can also have a profound effect on reproductive organs and hormones.
  
  
• Steroids Activity One
  The student will understand that steroids have a direct effect on the limbic system, which has a large role in the expression of emotions.
  
  
• Steroids Activity Two
  The student will learn more about the functions of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, glutamate, dopamine, and acetylcholine.
  
  
• Steroids Activity Three
  The student will learn about the performance enhancing effects of steroids, and the medical risk factors.