Puberty has always provided visual evidence of distinct changes from childhood to young adulthood. Unfortunately the mechanism within the male body responsible for this transformation was poorly understood. It was not until the 19th century that clinical experiments revealed a hormone within the testes which was the catalyst for these changes. Testosterone (aptly named after the testes) was discovered, isolated, and later synthesized. The 1930’s synthesizing of testosterone marked the invention of AAS, as we know them today. Since then literally hundreds of different forms have been catalogued, while far fewer numbers were commercially produced.
Shortly after development, AAS were adapted for a variety of purposes including the increase of aggression in Nazi soldiers, elite-level athletics in the1950’s, and the very specific production for weightlifting athletes. However, by the 1960’s several major sporting organizations had already banned their use, and initiated extensive drug testing policies. In the mid 1990’s, the first Anabolic Steroid Control Act was passed under President George Bush. A decade later congressional hearings were held to curtail the growing AAS problem in athletics. By this time, every major reputable sporting organization from the high school level through the professional ranks had followed suit with anti-AAS regulations and testing policies.
"Steroid Abuse Information and Resources." Steroids 101 (History of Steroids). Web. 15 May 2012. <http://www.steroidabuse.com/steroids-101.html>.
Yes, a futher understanding of how my body actually works and how others came to understand as well.
ReplyDelete