Discussion Week 4: Anabolic steroids, when taken, act as a hormone testosterone,

Discussion Week 4:
Anabolic steroids, when taken, act as a hormone testosterone, in the body.  They are used for medical reasons and even then there are risks.  However, sometimes athletes take these drugs (off-label) to enable them to perform better in their specific sport. 
The scenario for this week:  You have a male friend who is interested in competing in a triathlon.  He has been training more frequently at the gym and his muscle mass seems to be increasing rapidly.  You ask him about it and in a confidential disclosure he tells you that he’s taking anabolic steroids.  He tells you it’s ok because even doctors prescribe these for patients when they need them.  He realizes he may be taking a lot but since he’s young he feels he’ll be fine.
You are in the healthcare field and understand the complications of these drugs.  You try to discuss this with him providing him with the knowledge that he should have so that he has respect for the drugs and understands the problems they can cause. 
In your discussion this week, you will talk about what anabolic steroids do and why a doctor might prescribe them.  Then discuss why an athlete might want to take them and what are the risks and side effects.
Here is a brief summary of the discussion board requirements.  Please review the rubric for more specific information. 
The initial discussion post must be at least 250 words of content, referencing the week’s reading and including a scholarly source.
Students will respond to two classmates weekly on the discussion board and give at least 50 words of substantive feedback.   
I encourage students to respond to me but remember responding to me does not count as responding to two classmates. 
All posts need a reference and in-text citations.  Your initial post should never be all opinion.  You need to refer to the reading and required resources.
Discussion posts are due on Saturdays at 11:59 PM EST.  Late discussion posts will not be accepted even with documentation because this is an attendance/participation grade for the week.
Plagiarism of any kind can result in a “0”.
You must post your initial post before you see other students’ responses. Adding a “.” or other short words/sentences, or entering and leaving without a post submitted,  to review what others provided before you give your initial post will be deleted, and the grade for the week’s board will be a 0.
All references and other pertinent material must be included with the original post.  Any information that is added after the initial post is submitted will not count for the grade.