VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY
BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA

REPORT ON

“STEROIDS IN SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY”

(BBOK407)
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONICS

Submitted by:

AISHWARYA S R 1SG23EE004

BHOOMIKA I N 1SG23EE017

ISHWARYA S 1SG23EE052

Under the guidance of

MR. MANJUNATH V

(Associate Professor, Dept. of EEE)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SAPTHAGIRI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Bengaluru-57

1 | Page
 INTRODUCTION

Steroids are a broad group of organic compounds that include both naturally
occurring hormones and synthetic substances designed to mimic or enhance their
effects. In the human body, natural steroids such as testosterone, estrogen,
progesterone, and cortisol play essential biological roles in regulating processes
like metabolism, immune response, stress adaptation, reproduction, and the
development of secondary sexual characteristics. These hormones are produced
primarily in the adrenal glands and gonads.
Medically, steroids—particularly corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic
steroids (AAS)—are used to treat a variety of conditions. Corticosteroids help
reduce inflammation and are prescribed for diseases like asthma, arthritis, and
autoimmune disorders. Anabolic steroids, which are synthetic versions of
testosterone, are used under medical supervision to treat conditions such as
delayed puberty, muscle wasting diseases, and severe hormonal imbalances.
However, outside of medical use, anabolic steroids are frequently misused by
athletes, bodybuilders, and others seeking enhanced physical performance,
muscle growth, and endurance. While they can produce significant short-term
gains in strength and physique, the non-prescribed use of steroids is illegal in
many countries and associated with serious health risks. These risks include liver
damage, cardiovascular disease, reproductive system disorders, psychological
effects like aggression and depression, and dependency.
In summary, steroids are powerful substances with both valuable medical
applications and significant potential for misuse. A well-rounded understanding
of their biological functions, medical uses, and impact in sports is essential to
appreciating both their benefits and the dangers they may pose when abused.

2 | Page
 STEROIDS

Steroids are a broad class of organic compounds characterized by a core structure

of four interconnected carbon rings. They play crucial roles in various biological
processes and are utilized in medicine for their therapeutic effects.

Types of Steroids:
1. Corticosteroids (Anti-inflammatory Steroids)
These are synthetic versions of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They
are primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Common corticosteroids include prednisone and hydrocortisone.
2. Anabolic Steroids (Performance-Enhancing Steroids)
Synthetic derivatives of testosterone, anabolic steroids promote muscle growth
and enhance physical performance. They are sometimes prescribed for medical
conditions but are often misused for bodybuilding or athletic enhancement.

Medical Uses of steroids:

• Corticosteroids: Treat conditions like asthma, arthritis, lupus, eczema, and
inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Anabolic Steroids: Prescribed for hormone deficiencies and certain types of
anemia; however, misuse for muscle building is prevalent.

3 | Page
 Non-Medical Use and Abuse:
Anabolic steroids are commonly abused by:
• Athletes and bodybuilders seeking enhanced performance and muscle mass.
• Teenagers aiming for a certain body image.
• Recreational users for cosmetic or strength purposes.
Methods of abuse include oral intake, injection, and topical application. Users
often follow cycles or “stack” multiple steroids.

Side Effects:

Physical Effects
• Liver damage
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Gynecomastia (breast development in men)
• Infertility
• Acne and oily skin
• Baldness
Psychological Effects
• Aggression and mood swings ("roid rage")
• Mania
• Delusions
• Depression after withdrawal
Effects in Teens
• Stunted growth
• Hormonal imbalances

4 | Page
 Advantages:
• Rapid Relief: Provide quick alleviation of symptoms associated with
inflammation and immune system overactivity.
• Versatile Administration: Available in various forms, including oral,
topical, inhaled, and injectable, allowing tailored treatment options.
• Effective in Acute Exacerbations: Particularly beneficial during flare-ups
of chronic conditions, offering significant symptom control.
• Increased Muscle Mass: Promote protein synthesis, leading to enhanced
muscle growth and strength.
• Improved Recovery: Reduce muscle damage and inflammation, facilitating
quicker recovery from intense workouts.
• Enhanced Performance: May boost endurance and stamina, contributing to
improved athletic performance.
• Appetite Stimulation: Increase appetite, benefiting individuals with
conditions causing weight loss.

Legal and Ethical Issues:

• In many countries, including the U.S., anabolic steroids are controlled
substances.
• Illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription.
• Banned in most competitive sports by agencies like WADA (World Anti-Doping
Agency).
• Ethical concerns about unfair advantages and long-term health risks.

5 | Page
POSTER:

6 | Page