DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 16-year-old high-school student taking an anatomy and physiology class. We were recently assigned a project in which we must research health concerns and present both sides of the issue. I am researching the effects of performance-enhancing supplements on teenage athletes. I would appreciate your perspective. — J.Y.

ANSWER: I start with an apology, J.Y. This isn’t going to get to you in time for your class assignment. I wish you had included your address in the letter. I would have mailed it to you.

Performance-enhancing supplements cover a Texas-sized assortment of legal and illegal drugs, herbs, foods and tonics. Let’s start with male hormones and their chemically altered relatives, since the spotlight shines on them so brightly. These drugs are called by many names: androgens, anabolic (growth-enhancing) steroids, testosterone (the main male hormone) copycats or just “steroids.” ”Steroids” confuses people because that word includes medicines like cortisone and prednisone, not what we’re talking about. Let’s stick with anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids promote muscle growth and muscle strength by stimulating protein synthesis. Proteins are the basic units of muscles. Many bodybuilders and other athletes have attained incredible muscle size through the use of these drugs. Risks of use to teenagers include the premature closure of growth plates. Growth plates are sections of bone that are cartilage. They allow bones to elongate. Closure of growth plates stops bone growth. Teens haven’t reached the age when growth naturally and completely stops.

Furthermore, to reach such gargantuan size, users have to take doses of anabolic steroids that are 40 times greater than doses used for medical purposes. Such doses can and often do alter personality, making the users aggressive to the point of being a danger to others. It’s called “roid rage.” Such large quantities can harm the liver, promote growth of the male breast and possibly decrease testicle size. Girl users develop acne, grow facial and chest hair, deepen their voices and decrease breast size. These substances are banned by most athletic governing bodies. Don’t use them.

I would like to give you more examples of things like creatine and caffeine. Write back, and I will.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you settle a family dispute? I am a jogger and run from three to 12 miles weekly. My brother runs much more often and is training for a marathon. We are both in our early 40s. Our father claims that his father had bad knees, that he has bad knees and that we are playing with fire by running because of the family gene. Are we? — C.S.

ANSWER: If you have healthy knees, exercise training — including marathon running — will not damage your knees.

Even if you have arthritis, exercise can be a boon by keeping your joints limber and by strengthening leg muscles. Strong leg muscles protect the knees. All of this has to be approved by the person’s doctor. Swimming and walking are two exercises that win approval.

Athletes suffer from knee problems due to injuries. The problems didn’t come about from exercise. They came about from trauma.

Can your dad name the “bad knee” problem he and his father have? If he can, write me again. I might have to change my position.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Why didn’t you suggest getting a treadmill for the lady who weighed 250 pounds and was 5 feet 3 inches tall? She also had joint pain. She wondered if surgery would relieve the joint pain she had when she walked. Walking on cement is hard on the legs, knees and feet. You should have pushed a treadmill. — B.T.

ANSWER: Treadmill exercise is a great way to burn calories. However, this woman wondered if she should consider stomach surgery. I said yes. She is way over the normal limits, and losing weight by exercise alone for her is almost an impossibility.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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