Side Effects Of Anabolic Steroids
Kathryn Whittaker
Anabolic Steroids are prevalent nowadays. Many athletes use
them to increase performance. Even though anabolic steroids
may have some good benefits, there are side effects.
These types of steroids promote skeletal muscle growth and
enhance male sexual qualities. They are commonly used by body
builders, weightlifters and others associated with strength
training. With its ability to improve muscular performance and
decrease fats in the body, athletes have increased potential.
That is why it is illegal for athletes who are joining a certain
official competitions to use them. They can be injected or taken
orally. Dosages depend on the condition and age of the person.
Here are some of the side effects of anabolic steroids
Some side effects are serious and some are more common. It is
said that orally taken steroids have more adverse effects. This
type affects the liver in particular. Anabolic steroids are said
to reduce the liver’s excretory purposes. The liver can be
damaged from a bleeding cystic condition which is patently
dangerous. Moreover, the use of steroids has been connected to
liver cancer, but this is still being studied.
In the cardiovascular system, anabolic steroids can cause
changes in the heart processes and strokes are possible
especially to those who are taking oral steroids. In the male
reproductive system, it is said that these can cause erectile
dysfunction and could also lead to impotence even though sexual
energy is enhanced. Atrophy or shrinking of the testicles can
also occur and is associated with very high dosages of anabolic
steroids.
Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it
cannot be considered safe from these adverse side effects,
enlarged skin pores, especially in women because their skin is
more sensitive than men is common. This process is also known
as “virilization” and it is an irreversible side-effect. Acne
is another problem. Intake of steroids can worsen the condition
of existing acne conditions. Stretch marks are also expected to
appear, especially in women. It is not true that steroids cause
baldness, but it can speed up the process of its occurrence.
Internal changes are also expected. With high dosages of
anabolic steroids, both men and women may experience a change
in behavior. Usually, it is associated with an increase in
aggression and rage behavior. Some athletes consider this
advantageous because they need the rage to optimize their
performance. However, it is also not uncommon to feel severe
depression. This usually results in huge weight gains and self
confidence falters. In addition, feminization occurs in males.
With the huge amounts of testosterone, some may be converted to
estrogen which is the female sex hormone.
This is the side effect that most body builders do not want to
experience. In females, masculinization occurs. This results in
a more masculine behavior and nature. This may enhance growth of
body hairs. However, symptoms vary from person to person. Some
men develop breasts because of the high intake of these
anabolic steroids. They can only be removed by plastic surgery.
This condition is called Gynecomastia. The risk of
cardiovascular diseases is also increased. Decreased growth,
kidney problems, severe headaches, liver problems, and immune
system deficiencies are also side effects of taking anabolic
steroids. So what do you think? Still up for it?
About The Author: Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in health
and related topics. To access more articles on anabolic
steroids http://www.eqanabolicsteriods.com or for additional
information and resources visit this anabolic steroids
http://www.fsanabolicsteriods.info related website.
See Also:
Index of All Body Building & Fitness Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
Search for More Sports Related Info