Julie is pregnant but is not receiving prenatal care. She has a poor diet consisting mostly of fast food. She drinks no milk, preferring colas instead. How would this situation affect Julie's parathyroid hormone level?
Ch. 18 The Endocrine System
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 18, Problem 29
Pamela and her teammates are considering taking anabolic steroids (synthetic hormones derived from testosterone) to enhance their competitive skills. What natural effects of testosterone are they hoping to gain? What additional side effects might these women expect should they begin an anabolic steroid regime?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the natural effects of testosterone in the human body, especially in males, since anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Testosterone primarily promotes muscle growth, increased bone density, and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Step 2: Identify the specific natural effects of testosterone that Pamela and her teammates might be hoping to gain, such as increased muscle mass, enhanced strength, improved recovery time after exercise, and possibly increased aggression or competitiveness.
Step 3: Recognize that anabolic steroids mimic these effects by increasing protein synthesis in muscle cells, leading to hypertrophy (muscle growth) and improved physical performance.
Step 4: Consider the additional side effects that women might experience when taking anabolic steroids, which can include masculinization effects such as deepening of the voice, increased body hair (hirsutism), enlargement of the clitoris, menstrual irregularities, and potential psychological effects like mood swings or aggression.
Step 5: Summarize that while anabolic steroids can enhance physical performance by mimicking testosterone's effects, they also carry significant risks, especially for women, due to the hormone's influence on secondary sexual characteristics and overall endocrine balance.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Natural Effects of Testosterone
Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone that promotes muscle growth, increased strength, and enhanced physical performance. It also influences secondary sexual characteristics like increased bone density and red blood cell production, which can improve endurance and recovery.
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Anabolic Steroids and Their Use
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed to maximize muscle-building (anabolic) effects while minimizing masculinizing (androgenic) effects. Athletes use them to increase muscle mass, strength, and competitive performance beyond natural limits.
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Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids in Women
Women using anabolic steroids may experience masculinizing side effects such as deepened voice, increased body hair, menstrual irregularities, and clitoral enlargement. Other risks include liver damage, mood swings, and cardiovascular problems due to hormone imbalance.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
In Type 2 diabetes, insulin levels are frequently normal, yet the target cells are less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This suggests that the target cells:
(a) Are impermeable to insulin
(b) May lack enough insulin receptors
(c) Cannot convert insulin to an active form
(d) Have adequate internal supplies of glucose
(e) Both b and c
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Textbook Question
Roger has been extremely thirsty. He drinks numerous glasses of water every day and urinates a great deal. Name two disorders that could produce these signs and symptoms. What test could a clinician perform to determine which disorder Roger has?
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