Steroids and anabolic
steroids DO have side effects. Do not
be fooled into thinking there is a perfect steroid out there.
That's not true. All steroids carry some type of side effects
in one form or another. There is no such thing as a side
effect free steroid.
There are many side effects of
using any medical treatment, including steroids. Here are some things
an athlete might experience through the use of steroids:
• Your body wants to maintain a balance of hormones, so by undertaking
a steroid regimen will send a signal to your body to shut down its
natural hormone production. The levels of inhibition vary depending on
the type of hormone ingested and most often hormone production resumes
after the athlete stops his or her steroid regimen.
• The liver can be
affected with orally ingested steroids. This means that
studies have shown the levels of liver enzymes to increase after
ingesting oral steroids which is an indication of liver activity. While
some experts say that this is a sign of possible liver damage, other
studies have shown that enzyme levels return to normal when the athlete
stops taking the steroid.
• Steroids can affect
levels of cholesterol. Athletes who use steroids show
increased levels of LDL’s (the “bad” cholesterol) and decreased levels
of HDL’s (the “good” cholesterol). This may also why anabolic steroids
have been linked to cardiovascular problems as well.
• Anabolic steroids
increase the levels of estrogen in the body which can lead
to female-like breast tissue in males. However, there are anti-estrogen
drugs that can help reduce this risk. Likewise, females who use
anabolic steroids might begin to develop male characteristics such as
hirsuitism or deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement.
• Athletes who use anabolic steroids might also experience increased
acne; this is often related to the type and amount of steroids used.
• One of the most commonly suspected side
effects of steroid use is
increased aggressiveness. This is a real but rare side
effect of steroid use – most studies show that this increased
aggressiveness or sometimes mania is more prevalent in people who were
aggressive to begin with.
• Some steroids will stop the growth of people who use them before they
have finished growing. This is one of the few side effects that cannot
be reversed through stopping a steroid regimen.
• There are other effects on internal organs (caused by the type and
dose of steroid as well as the effects of the exercise/training regimen
that goes along with trying to “bulk up”) that are often reversed at
the cessation of steroid use. These include enlarged prostates, high
blood pressure, kidney problems and changes in the immune system.
• Sterility is also a possible side effect as the hormones in the body
are altered during use of anabolic steroids. This can often be reversed
or remedied with proper hormone treatments.
• Always remember, effects of steroids are very serious. Users do
exprience bad and negative side effects, so be warned! Do your research.