If you are looking for the side effects of anabolic steroids and are wondering about taking them personally for muscle growth and other masculine characteristics – this article is for you!
But first, you should know what anabolic steroids are. And what are the risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids? So, stick around to broaden your knowledge about steroids.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are artificial chemicals comparable in structure to testosterone (male sex hormone). Females also produce this hormone in their bodies, but in much lesser quantities.
Steroids are also being used to develop male sex properties such as muscle growth. They increase protein content in skeletal muscle cells and masculine features like facial hair and bulky voice. Most people who want to build their bodies fast use these steroids.
By Which Route are Steroids Taken?
They are primarily used in injection form but are also used by oral route. So both tablets and injections are available there in pharmaceutical industries. Steroids are also available in the form of cream or gel.
When to Use Anabolic Steroids?
Doctors recommend anabolic steroids for severe medical conditions like muscle loss below average and delayed puberty. Because there are multiple risk factors relating to using anabolic steroids for bodybuilding, you should not use steroids personally without your doctor’s prescription. You look hot, but in the back, many other issues arise that can risk your health.
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids may cause many problems that can vary in different age groups, sex, and even person to person.
1. Addiction to Steroids
The most common side effect that should be considered very seriously is an addiction to these steroids. Addiction is when you can not live without taking steroids at your scheduled time.
Many people think before taking steroids that they will use just for some time or a school year. But unluckily, anabolic steroids can be addictive and difficult to stop.
When they are stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur more frequently, including:
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Tiredness
- Restlessness and insomnia
2. Hormonal Imbalances
As you know, hormonal balance is necessary for our bodies to work properly. If females use artificial steroids, they may develop male characteristics. Their voice deepens, and excessive body hair growth, especially facial and chest hair. In addition, their breast size can also be affected by supplemental anabolic steroids.
Males can experience shrunken testicles, reduced sperm count, breast development, and erectile dysfunction.
3. Infertility in Males due to Steroids Use
Prostate glands are located beneath the bladder in males. It maintains sperm activity. Steroids disturb this gland, and in turn, the prostate gland swells, leading to abnormal maintenance of sperm count and activity.
The proper functioning of the testes is also reduced in people who take supplemental anabolic steroids.
4. Stunted Growth
Teenagers should be cautious about using steroids as they also stop further growth. Bones stop growing at an early age and get mature too fast, as steroids cause premature aging of bones and cartilage.
5. Effects on Skin, Hair, and Eyes
- Excessive use of steroids can cause eye damage to the abusers, leading to many infections, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Steroid users often face pattern baldness at a high level. Both males and females experience this major hair loss.
- Many skin issues are associated with it, including acne, oily skin, infections of the skin, puffier cheeks, stretch marks on the chest and arms, and rough skin.
6. Cardiovascular Effects
- The use of excessive steroids in the long term can lead to heart problems leading to heart attacks. They also increase cholesterol levels in the body, which can clog the blood vessels leading to stroke.
- Blood pressure problems are also associated with the usage of anabolic steroid supplements—blood pressure increases in people taking anabolic steroids. People who are already hypertensive are at greater risk of developing BP problems.
7. Psychological Problems
Anabolic supplement steroids are psychologically harmful if they are used in toxic doses. They lead to many problems, including:
- Cognitive impairment
- Aggressive behavior
- Major depression
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Hypomania (euphoria)
Why Steroid Misuse is Increasing Day by Day
In this era of physical competition, everyone is looking for shortcuts to look better and better. So, in this case, people take these synthetic hormone agonists /anabolic steroids to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance without considering other health risks associated with their usage.
Steroids can prove significantly harmful if their dosages are higher up to toxic levels than those of medical problems.
The Bottom Line
You may think, is it even possible to avoid steroid misuse and its side effects? YES! WHY NOT? It is possible, but you need the willpower to overcome the addiction. Do not risk your health just over appearance; book a session with a psychiatrist and take your first step towards a happy and healthy life.
Reference
Arthritis, V. (2022). Steroids. Versus Arthritis. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/steroids/
Baltimore, H. (2014). Steroid use in acute liver failure. PracticeUpdate. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://www.practiceupdate.com/content/steroid-use-in-acute-liver-failure/8282
Clinic, C. (2022). Corticosteroids. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4812-corticosteroids
Tokar, S. (2006). Anabolic steroid use increases heart attack risk and causes liver damage. Anabolic steroid use increases heart attack risk and causes liver damage | UC San Francisco. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2006/02/97820/anabolic-steroid-use-increases-heart-attack-risk-and-causes-liver-damage