Reports indicate that the major effects of anabolic steroid use include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention, and high blood pressure. Additional side effects include the following for men : shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts. Researchers report that users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.
A. External Changes
1 ) Changes in the skin
The skin is the largest organ on the human body and is the most sensitive area for side effects. The most apparent side effects are the pores in the skin becoming larger making the skin rough. This process is called virilization and once this has occurred, the result is irreversible. Another large problem is acne. Acne that already is apparent may become worse and if there is no acne already, it can be evoked. This side effect will differ from person to person as all side effects do, depending on the persons composition and the type and amount of steroid used. Stretch marks are also prominent, not directly from the use of steroids but from the rapid growth of the muscles.
2 ) Baldness
Steroids do not cause baldness, however, they can speed the process up for those who are going to loose it anyway. Steroids convert largely into DHT, this is what causes hair loss to quicken. Steroids that are derivatives of DHT can also promote baldness. And yes this is irreversible as well, 99% of the time when you loose your hair it is gone for good
B. Internal Changes
1 ) Psychic
With the use of high dosages of anabolic and androgenic (especially androgenic) steroids, over a long-term cycle, both men and woman can develop extremely aggressive behavior or roid rage. Some athletes consider this an advantage because of their increased ability to train harder and more intensely, however it has been proven to do more harm than good. Most of the time this rage results in loss of friendships, destructiveness, and inability to control ones behavior. Also, be aware of this particular side effect and it will be easier to make the necessary changes to rid yourself of it. Another negative psychic side effect is the feeling of depression. Often times when athletes have been using steroids and have experienced huge gains, they expect to keep the gains after they come off of their cycle. When reality hits and their performance falls to that of their natural ability without steroids, he may become depressed.
2 ) Feminization
Feminization occurs in males only. Excessive levels of testosterone can often be converted into the female sex hormone estrogen resulting in some female characteristics such as the formation of breasts (gynecomastia), increased tendency toward fatty deposits, and extremely soft muscles. This usually happens after a steroid cycle had just been discontinued when the males androgen level is low and is easily over shadowed by estrogen. Estradiol, an estrogen, also has an inhibiting effect on the male gonad cycle, resulting in lowered natural production of testosterone and thus effecting the male sperm count.
3 ) Cardiovascular
The risk of heart disease increases with the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids. The use of steroids raises the level of cholesterol in ones system, which causes thickening of arterial walls and could ultimately be life threatening. It is recommended that athletes always consult a physician before beginning a steroid cycle to be sure they are not already at a high risk of cholesterol levels. With this one can assume that older male steroid users are at the highest risk, however this does not mean that younger users are not at risk. Some other undesirable factors that could promote heart disease are stress, high blood pressure, and rapid weight increase.
4 ) Headaches
Steroidal compounds and other supplements used by bodybuilders can trigger a hormonal imbalance, which will alter the persons endocrine system. This could explain why many athletes have had this problem. Headaches are also a symptom of possible high blood pressure, which is another side effect associated with steroid supplementation.
5 ) Kidney Problems
Some steroid compounds have appeared to have an adverse effect on kidney function. This, like most of the side effects described, has a higher tendency to exist when longer durations or high dosages are being consumed. The kidneys main purpose is to filter toxic byproducts, and excrete them. Whenever a person is on any type of drug, their kidneys are under more stress than ordinary. An electrolyte imbalance and high blood pressure can both lead to improper kidney function. Kidney disorders are often reflected in edema, lower back pain, renal colic, fever, kidney enlargement, and swelling in the costovertebral region.
6 ) Liver Problems
With the use of oral steroidal compounds in particular, liver damage can occur. A condition called Peliosis Hepatis is rare but is certainly life threatening, because it not usually found until the liver is completely shut down or until an intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops.
7 ) Immune System
Some steroid supplements such as testosterone can provide an improved immune system state, making it easier to recover and ward off viral illnesses. The body then becomes somewhat dependent on the steroid supplementation and must be rejuvenated after the supplementation has been discontinued. A person in this position should do his best not to become over tired and rundown. This will allow the immune system to become self-reliant again and therefore effective. Often times when a person discontinues their steroid cycle, they allow themselves to become tired and rundown leading to a tendency to become infected with a viral illness, colds, and sometimes pneumonia.
8 ) Impotence
When first administering steroids, a man will have an increase in sexual function. This unfortunately is only temporary as your body becomes used to the steroid in its system. With prolonged use of a steroid, eventually, the man will feel less sexual desire, and will be less capable of maintaining an erection. Luckily, this is only temporary as well and can even be totally prevented with the use of substance such as Gonakor and HCG. Also when the steroid use is discontinued, the bodys natural level of testosterone (like the immune system) will certainly be suppressed.
9 ) High Blood Pressure
The only way to monitor your blood pressure is to have it checked by a physician, unless you have other means of doing it yourself. There is no real symptoms that will let you know that you have high blood pressure until it is already too high. Then the symptoms are headaches, vision problems, insomnia, and difficulty breathing. High blood pressure is usually induced by high water or sodium retention accompanied with a rapid weight increase. Stress, overworking, over eating, and holding your breath during very heavy lifts can also promote high blood pressure.
10 ) Stomachaches
Oral steroids can sometime bring about stomachaches in some users, the most common being Anapolon, Stenox, Primabolan, Winstrol, and Dianabol. The symptoms can be anything from a slight discomfort to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
11 ) Water/Salt Retention
Most steroids will cause a water and electrolyte storage in the muscles resulting in a swelling of the tissue. For the most part this is not such a bad side effect due to the increase in muscle size and strength. The problem is the increase water retention in the skin and blood. This usually causes a persons skin to look puffy and swollen and puts a larger strain on ones heart.
We must always remind us that the choice between good and bad, will always be ours.
That is, you just do the wrong if you want!
Good training to all!
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