Answer to Question 1
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use comes at a high price. It has been associated with many damaging changes in the physiological characteristics of organs and body systems. The best documented effects are to the liver, serum lipids, and the reproductive system, including shrinkage of the testicles (Sato et al., 2008). In younger athletes, steroids can cause early fusion of the bone-growth plates, resulting in permanently shortened stature. AAS users have also been found to be more at risk for illicit drug use, particularly opioid use (Kanayama et al., 2010).
Answer to Question 2
The use of androgen replacement therapy is controversial due to possible risks and limited long-term studies (Pines, 2010; Wu et al., 2010). One of the largest controversies revolves around the risks involved in taking testosterone, especially the possibility of an increased risk for prostate cancer, although there has been no evidence to support this risk (Bassil & Morley, 2010). even so, androgen replacement therapy is commonly used in the United States today (Cunningham & Toma, 2011).