Steroids side effects
are likely to occur when these drugs are misused or used in prolonged
periods.
Steroids side
effects can also be experienced when you ingest or inject
amounts beyond what is recommended. This is the same as with other
class of drugs. Among the most common side effects of steroids are the
gender-specific side effects.
The feminization symptoms in males, such as water retention and
gynecomastia (growth of mammary tissues) in males are the most common
side effects of steroids. Gynecomastia is caused by high levels of
estrogen in circulation as a result to increased conversion of
testosterone to estrogen by the aromatase enzyme. This side effect is
likely to occur if you’re taking highly aromatizable
steroids. Other male-specific
side effect of steroids
is testicular atrophy or shrinkage. This steroid side effect is caused
by suppression of the natural testosterone levels. This steroid side
effect is reversible – the testicles return to normal size when steroid
therapy is discontinued.
The female-specific steroid side effects include hirsutism (excessive
growth of body hair), deepening of voice, clitoral enlargement, and
disruption of menstrual cycles. Other steroid side effects that can be
experienced by both males and females are increase in the risk of
cardiovascular diseases, acne breakout, and liver damage. Liver damage
can occur in cases of high doses and prolonged intake of c-17
alpha-alkylated
steroids.