Description
The most common steroids abused are anabolic steroids. They can be taken orally, intramuscularly or as a cream. The major reasons for steroid abuse are to improve athletic performance and increase muscle size. These activities can have serious adverse effects such as: heart attacks, stroke and liver cancer.
Symptoms
Male pattern baldness, enlargement of breasts, elevated cholesterol, increase muscle size, increased acne, infertility, shrinking of the testicles, increased aggression, delusions.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Hormonal levels can be tested to help detect the abuse. Tests to detect the damage done by the abuse may be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Cholesterol studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Medical Toxicology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Hormonal levels can be tested to help detect the abuse. Tests to detect the damage done by the abuse may be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Cholesterol studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Medical Toxicology
Treatment
Therapy involves treating the adverse effects of the medication abuse and supporting the patient during the withdrawal of the steroids.