Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are increasingly used by athletes for enhanced power, endurance and muscle mass despite their harmful side effects and consequent prohibition in sports. They are artificially made bio-chemical agents related to the male sex hormones.
Uses of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are used therapeutically in the treatment of various diseases like cancer, AIDS and certain types of anemia. They are also prescribed in certain cases marked by abnormally low amounts of testosterone, as in the case of delayed puberty and impotence.
Anabolic Steroid Abuse in Sports
Anabolic steroids are illegally used by athletes to boost performance, enhance endurance and increase muscle mass. They are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months. It is also common to use them in combination with other substances to enhance the effect or minimize the side effects.
Harmful Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Excessive doses of anabolic steroids produce serious health problems, many of which are irreversible. They include the following:
Inhibition of natural hormones: When hormones are artificially injected human body gradually stops producing natural hormones in order to maintain homeostasis.
Blood lipid profile: There are two categories of cholesterol – LDL which is “bad cholesterol” and HDL which is “good cholesterol”. Anabolic steroids reduce the amount of HDL cholesterol in the body and instead raise LDL cholesterol. This may result in increased occurrences of LDL related diseases.
Development of acne: Anabolic steroids can cause acne in the users whose intensity may vary according to the type of steroid injected.
Aggressive behavior: Anabolic steroid abuse may result in variations in emotional patterns. Typically anabolic steroid abusers are found to be more aggressive.
Cardiovascular problems: Anabolic steroid abuse may result in heart diseases especially in enlarged ventricles which is common among bodybuilders and weightlifters.
Development of male characteristics in women: Anabolic steroids are essentially male hormones. When taken by women they can produce male characteristics in them like deeper voice, growth of excess body hair, enlargement of external genitalia and possible male pattern baldness.
Stunted growth: Certain kinds of steroids can cause retarded growth. This happens especially in young people.
Kidney problems: Steroid abuse places too much of burden on the liver. This may result in increased occurrences of liver diseases.
Immune system changes: Excessive doses of anabolic steroids are known to weaken the immune system of the body.
Sterility in males and females: Steroid abuse may result in temporary sterility in the users.
As the research testifies steroid abuse can produce more harm than good results. Hence it is in the interests of athltes to stay away from steroid abuse to safe guard their careers.