INFORMATION - SIDE EFFECTS - ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Anabolic steroids are synthetic agents closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone, which promote body tissue-building processes.

Anabolic steroids are effective in enhancing athletic performance. The trade off, however, is the occurrence of adverse side effects, which can jeopardize health.

Side effects:

Liver Function:

With the use of oral steroidal compounds liver damage can occur. The parentally administered Anabolic steroids seem to have less serious effects on the liver.
However, lesions of the liver have been reported after parenteral testosterone administration.

A condition called Peliosis Hepatis is rare but is certainly life threatening, because it not usually found until the liver is completely shut down or until an intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. The development of this problem usually repairs itself as steroid use is terminated.
There are some indications that administration of anabolic steroids in athletes may lead to hepatic carcinoma.

Reproductive System:

There are indications that the duration, dosage, and chemical structure of the anabolic steroids are important for the serum concentrations of gonadotropins. A moderate decrease of gonadotropin secretion causes atrophy of the testes, as well as a decrease of sperm cell production.
Feminization occurs in males only. High levels of testosterone can often be converted into the female sex hormone estrogen resulting in some female characteristics such as the formation of breasts. This usually happens after a steroid cycle had just been discontinued when the men androgen level is low and is easily over shadowed by estrogen.
When steroids are first used sexual interest increases because of the heightened frequency and duration of the erections. But eventually the opposite happens and no erections can be produced.
Primarily in females, virilization will result in the assumption of masculine characteristics.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Studies shows that steroid use is a risk factor for heart disease. This is because steroids affect the cholesterol levels. Over a period of time the cholesterol builds up and clogs the arteries.
High blood pressure is also a chance when taking steroids.

Baldness:

Steroids can speed the process up for those who are going to loose it anyway. Steroids convert largely into DHT (Causes hair loss to quicken.) Steroids that are derivatives of DHT can also promote baldness. And yes this is irreversible.

Kidney:

The kidneys main purpose is to filter toxic byproducts, and excrete them. Always when a person is on any type of drug, their kidneys are under more stress than ordinary.
Electrolyte imbalance and high blood pressure will both lead to improper kidney function. Kidney disorders are often reflected in edema, renal colic and kidney enlargement.

Skin:

The most apparent side effects are the pores in the skin becoming larger making the skin rough. This is more prominent in woman when they use androgen steroids.
Acne is very common.

Physiological side effects:

Aggressiveness, irritability, altered libido, psychosis, mental addiction, depression and mood swings.