Steroid (stěr'oid')  Any of several various hormones having the structure of a steroid that are made synthetically, especially for use in medicine.

Steroids and steroid use can cause some serious and permanent health problems. A lot of steroid use side effects of use may not be noticed because they take place inside the body. So many people ask: what are the affects of anabolic steroids?

Side Effects of Steroid Use:

• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Liver damage and cancers
• Stroke and blood clots
• Urinary and bowel problems, like diarrhea or cramps
• Headaches or joints that ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleeping issues and problems
• Increased risk of ligament and tendon injuries
• Severe acne on face and back
• Baldness
• "Roid rage" — severe, quick and aggressive behavior that may result in violence, such as fighting or destroying property for little reason
• Severe mood swings
• Hallucinations — seeing or hearing things that are not really there
• Paranoia — extreme feelings of mistrust and fear
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression and thoughts of suicide
• A constant angry and hostile irritable mood
• Anabolic steroids, even in small doses, have been shown to stop growth too soon in adolescents.

 

 

 

Males -In males, the testacles begin to shrink because steroid use in men makes the body produce less testosterone.  Other common steroid side effects:

• Gynecomastia - increase in breast size and nipple size (common)

• Reduced sperm count

• Impotence

• Enlarged prostate

Females - In women, steroids act as a male hormone and here is a common list of side effects:

• Reduced breast size
• Enlarged clitoris (a very sensitive part of the genitals)
• Increase in facial and body hair
• Deeper than normal voice
• Menstrual Issues and Problems

With these types of side effects, many over-the-counter supplements such as creatine and androstenedione (aka: "andro") are gaining more and more popularity. Though these said supplements are not steroids, their manufacturers claim they can build muscles - improve strength and stamina, without the side effects of steroids.  These substances are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and not allowed in sports.

Both creatine and androstenedione occur naturally in foods, there are serious concerns about the long-term effects of using them as supplements. These products may be unsafe. Remember, there is no replacement for a healthy diet and proper training.

What do they look like?  Steroids come in tablets or liquid form.

How are steroids used?  Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected. Typical users "stack" multiple doses for weeks or months in a pattern called cycling. Sometimes different types are used to increase their effectiveness.