Glaser's "Chemistry is in the News"
To Accompany Wade Organic Chemistry 4/e.
Chapter 25. Lipids.

Editorial Comments

Hormone enhancers, otherwise known as steroids are a growing controversial topic in the wide world of sports. Many athletes including Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, and the late Lyle Alonzo have been questioned on how much of their success is attributed to their natural ability, and how much of their success is attributed to the use of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are drugs used to increase strength and build muscle.

Much of the controversy surrounding steroids deals with which steroids should be banned and which steroids don't enhance sports performance. Some hormone enhancers such as adrostenedione and creatine are sold over the counter. There are possible known affects of anabolic steroid use such as cancer heart attacks, liver dysfunctions, and dehydration. Despite possible long-term affects athletes continue to use steroids to gain an edge.

See also structure of testosterone. See also steroid hormone action.

Questions

Question 1: How do steroids enhance hormones? What are the benefits and dangers of steroid use? (see steroid link)

A.

Question 2: Mark McGwire has openly admitted to using androstenedione and creatine, what are these two supplements and how do the affect the body? Is it legal to use them and why?

A.

Question 3: Where do we draw the line between banned substances and legal substances used in sports?

A.

Question 4: What structures do steroids have that enables them to bind to hormones in the body?

A.