Anabolic steroid side effects

Although the issue of anabolic steroid side effects is greatly exaggerated, as with most classes of drugs, steroids can cause problems. Most of these problems are usually related to dosage or individual genetics. For convenience we’ve divided these potential side effects into those experienced by men, women, and teenagers.

Men – Even though anabolic steroids are derived from the male sex hormone, testosterone, males who take them may ironically experience a "feminizing" effect combined with a decrease in normal male sexual functioning. The reason for this is that one of the metabolic breakdown products of testosterone is the female hormone, estrogen. Some possible steroid side effects in men include:

• Reduced sperm count
• Impotence
• Development of breasts
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Difficulty or pain while urinating

Women – Given the relationship of anabolic steroids to the male hormone, testosterone, it’s not surprising that women who take steroids may develop masculinizing side effects. These include the following:

• Facial hair growth
• Deepened voice
• Breast reduction
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Clitoral enlargement

Both sexes - With continued use of anabolic steroids, both sexes can experience the following effects, which range from the merely unsightly to the life endangering. They include:

• Acne
• Water retention
• Rapid weight gain
• Clotting disorders
• Liver enzyme irregularities
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Tendon damage from proportionally stronger muscles
• Mood swings

Teenagers - anabolic steroid side effects pose several serious health issues to teens. Steroids have been known to fuse the growth centers (epiphyseal plates) in teens’ bones. Once these growth plates are closed, they cannot reopen. This means that adolescents who abuse steroids may end up shorter than what their genetics would have allowed. Steroids have also been linked to psychological problems including severe mood swings. This could have detrimental consequences as many teens already experience natural swings in mood. And although not conclusive, there have been a few cases where steroids may have contributed to the suicide of a few teens.

Are anabolic steroids addictive?

Recent evidence suggests that long-time steroid users and steroid abusers may experience some of the classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms. As the research is limited, it’s not known if the symptoms of addiction are psychological or physiological in nature. For many steroid users, coming off the “juice” can be very traumatic as they begin to lose muscular size and strength. This loss of a key component of their identity can leave them suffering many of the same symptoms as those using common street drugs.

As we have just seen the issue of anabolic steroid side effects is an important one indeed. Teens should never use these drugs, and adults should definitely think twice. It’s far safer to check out the legal steroid alternatives that are available. With bodybuilders reporting strength and size gains on par with steroids, why wait? Check them out!

© Bob Howard 03, 06, 2006