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1991.07.29 : Interagency Task Force on Anabolic Steroids

Contact: Mona W. Brown Monica Revelle (301) 443-6245
July 29, 1991

       An Interagency Task Force on Anabolic Steroids today
recommended long-range studies to determine the occurrence and
frequency of heart disease, cancer, liver disease and high blood
pressure in users and former users of these muscle-bulking,
artificial hormones.
       The studies would also chart the severity of such mood
changes as irritability and aggressiveness, and whether these
changes result in violence to others or suicide.
       The task force was created by HHS Assistant Secretary for
Health James O. Mason, M.D., who heads the Public Health Service. 
In releasing the report today, Dr. Mason said, "While even the
limited research conducted thus far indicates steroids may have
alarming and dangerous side effects for their users, too many
athletes and young people are taking the risk because they hope
for an edge in competition or in some cases an enhanced
appearance.
       "The task force thus recommends a more coordinated federal
effort to get the facts and disseminate them.  I can promise that
there will be follow-up within the Public Health Service."
       Recommendations of the task force include conducting more
epidemiological studies to determine the extent of the problem as
well as the long- and short-term effects of anabolic steroid
abuse.  Other recommendations include coordinating prevention and
education programs and developing and disseminating information
to various audiences--including the drug abuse professional 
community--regarding the dangers of anabolic steroid abuse.
       The report recommends that the National Institute on Drug
Abuse provide pertinent data on the incidence and prevalence of
anabolic steroid abuse in large-scale epidemiologic surveys on
drug abuse.  "Our high school senior survey already examines the
extent of illicit drugs and alcohol use among graduating seniors. 
The recent addition of anabolic steroids to the survey will allow
us to identify trends in this population group that is at high
risk for steroids use," said Charles R. Schuster, Ph.D., director
of NIDA and co-chair of the task force.
       Stuart L. Nightingale, M.D., associate commissioner for
health affairs of the Food and Drug Administration and co-chair
of the task force, said, "Recent legislation that placed anabolic
steroids under the Controlled Substances Act highlights one of
many federal initiatives that will assist in the effort to
eliminate the abuse of anabolic steroids.  The FDA will also
continue its public education campaigns to deliver messages about
the dangers of anabolic steroids."
       Anabolic steroids are natural or synthetic derivatives of
the male hormone testosterone, and some steroids have been
approved by the FDA for the treatment of a small number of
diseases, such as certain anemias, hereditary angioedema and
breast cancer.  Anabolic steroids are restricted to use under the
supervision of a physician.  Over the years, these drugs have
gained wide acceptance and use by athletes to enhance performance
or body image.  Limited epidemiological data suggest that
anabolic steroids are used by high school, collegiate and
professional athletes to enhance athletic performance in order to
obtain a competitive edge.  In addition, the drugs are used to
improve physical appearance.

       The health effects from anabolic steroid abuse for men
include shrinking of the testicles; reduced sperm count; and
temporary infertility.

       For women, the adverse effects include changes in or
cessation of the menstrual cycle; enlargement of the clitoris;
breast reduction; and a deepened voice.

       For both males and females, the risks include acne;
jaundice; elevated LDL and depressed HDL lipoprotein cholesterol;
high blood pressure; liver damage and cancers; increased chance
of injury to tendons, ligaments and muscles; and mood changes
including irritability and aggressiveness.

       For children, adverse effects may include premature
skeletal maturation and accelerated pubertal changes. 

       Congress recently enacted legislation which assigns
responsibility for enforcing steroid regulations to the Drug
Enforcement Administration and establishes penalties for the non-
medical possession and distribution of anabolic steroids.  The
task force's report endorses the concept that a single federal
agency be assigned primary responsibility for regulatory and
enforcement programs and control under the Controlled Substances
Act.  

       The President's National Drug Control Strategy noted that
the Interagency Task Force on Anabolic Steroids would make
recommendations in 1991 as part of the overall drug strategy.

       The task force was comprised of representatives from
federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health;
Food and Drug Administration; Centers for Disease Control;
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; Office of
National Drug Control Policy;  Department of Defense; Department
of Justice; Department of Education; Department of Labor;
Department of the Treasury; and the U.S. Postal Service.    


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