SIDE EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS

CAUSES

Various explanations have been offered for why men, and to a somewhat lesser degree women, opt to misuse steroids. Among numerous users, it typically boils down to two fundamental motivations: performance enhancement and self-image improvement. For over fifty years, anabolic steroids have been utilized to boost athletic performance. Most commonly, the answer lies within a desire to enhance a particular aspect of performance. Whether the aim is increased physical size, strength, speed or endurance, in the minds of abusers, it is perceived as a valuable pursuit, despite the inherent risks. Additionally, many users report experiencing a heightened sense of satisfaction and an improved self-image when consuming steroids. Numerous young men confess to using steroids simply because they wish to appear muscular, mirroring the physique of bodybuilders they observe in publications, or even more significantly, to boost their appeal to women. Furthermore, a type of reverse anorexia appears to be widespread among young males passionate about fitness. According to recent studies by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 325,000 teenage boys and 175,000 teenage girls are consuming steroids. The figures for adult users are even more significant. (It should be noted that often, steroid users are discreet about their habit and refrain from disclosing it. The actual number of users could be significantly larger.) The belief that they can never achieve sufficient size, speed, or strength dominates their self-perception. Anabolic steroids seem to be the answer to their aspirations.

RATIONALITY

Users often appear well-informed on their indulgence, but the issue lies in the reliability of the information. Typically, it’s a mix of hearsay or online gossip, along with a distorted justification for overlooking all the negatives. Many users will assert that the dosage they consume is harmless because they “cycle” (discontinue steroids for a period and then restart) or only use a specific “safe” steroid or a dose too low to cause harm. This couldn’t be more incorrect. When physicians prescribe steroids, it’s typically to treat patients with a rare or specific condition, and the medication is administered in the smallest possible dose to reduce adverse effects. However, this is not about medicinal use; it’s about unmonitored, unsanctioned use of an artificial substance aimed at maximum muscle growth and performance. Massive doses are necessary to attain the results most users seek. In this context, there is no safe usage. In terms of both performance and appearance, users disregard caution as their sense of accomplishment heavily outweighs their awareness of the substantial risks implicated. Medical studies indicate steroid users expose themselves to over 70 side effects, varying in severity from liver cancer to acne, and include both psychological and physical reactions. The liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most severely impacted by steroid misuse. Examining the potent effects of anabolic steroids on the human organism, we assess the short-term effects, manifesting within a few weeks to years, and the long-term effects that can take up to a decade or longer to become evident.

SHORT TERM SIDE EFFECTS

The short term, more immediate side effects of steroid misuse include a wide array of complications. Let’s begin with men. Acne, testicular shrinkage, reduced sperm count, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men), elevated blood pressure, increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduced HDL (good) cholesterol, fluid retention, abnormal liver function, and prostate enlargement, to name a few. Anabolic steroids can affect women differently than men, and at times, significantly so. Women may experience many of the identical hazardous effects as men including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and liver damage. Numerous issues, however, uniquely manifest as female expressions of typical male traits such as male-pattern hair loss, deepened voice, facial and body hair growth, and skin thickening. For both genders, enhanced aggressiveness, commonly referred to as “roid rage,” frequently accompanies steroid use. Now, let’s dissect some of these issues further.

ACNE

A frequent side effect is the emergence of acne or, in adolescents where acne is already apparent, the condition may become much more severe. The scientific rationale is quite vivid. Steroids cause sebaceous glands in the skin to enlarge. Consequently, these glands increase sebum (oil) production. The heightened sebum leads to plug formation and acts as “nourishment” for bacteria. Hormonal surges during puberty explain why teenagers develop underarm and pubic hair, and why boys grow facial hair and deeper voices. This hormone surge also contributes to acne development in teens. Introducing steroids into this delicate equilibrium invites trouble.

SHRUNKEN TESTICLES

Testicular atrophy, a technical term for shrunken testicles, goes beyond a mere cosmetic concern. Given an external testosterone source is introduced to the body, the testes cease receiving the signal to produce their own. The brain is also instructed to decelerate sperm production, perceiving sperm supply as coming from an external source, typically the hypodermic needle. Consequently, the brain signals the testicles to take a break. This altered function might cause temporary sterility, with ongoing debates on whether steroids link to permanent sterility. But, is it worth risking?

GYNECOMASTIA

Gynecomastia, an elegant term for ‘man-boobs,’ represents another undesirable side effect arising from inappropriate testosterone balance. When the body converts excess testosterone into estrogen and other female hormones in a male body, female breast tissue may develop. Surgery, often accompanied by painful recovery, is usually the sole method of removing the female tissue accumulation. Essentially, the surgeon augments the area intended for liposuction with ample sterile fluid then utilizes ultrasonic liposuction, employing sound waves to disintegrate the fat. The procedure can cost upwards of $10,000, with medical insurance for steroid abuse treatment being scarce.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The subsequent impact on our list is high blood pressure, caused when the steroid prompts the body to retain additional salt and water, rather than excrete it as usual. Steroids also increase red blood cell count and hematocrit levels, leading to elevated blood pressure. The lasting consequences of high blood pressure form a list on their own. This condition causes the heart to enlarge, potentially resulting in heart failure. Small protrusions (aneurysms) may form in blood vessels, the heart’s primary artery (aorta), and arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen. Blood vessels in the kidney may narrow, potentially causing kidney failure. Arteries throughout the body might “harden” faster, particularly those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can usher in a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or the necessity for leg amputation. Blood vessels in the eyes may rupture or bleed, capable of altering vision and leading to blindness.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

High blood pressure often results from elevated (LDL) bad cholesterol levels and/or decreased (HDL) good cholesterol levels. Steroids alter the levels of lipoproteins responsible for cholesterol transport in the bloodstream. Steroids, especially oral variants, elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while reducing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This elevates the risk of atherosclerosis, a disorder where fatty substances accumulate within arteries and obstruct blood flow. If blood fails to reach the heart, a heart attack may ensue. If blood circulation is hinderedfrom making their way to the brain, the outcome can be a stroke.

LIVER DYSFUNCTION

Let us move to the liver, where nearly everything you introduce into your body is processed. Put simply, try living without your liver. It will not happen. Steroid misuse is linked to liver tumors and an uncommon ailment known as peliosis hepatis, in which cysts filled with blood develop in the liver. Both the tumors and the cysts may rupture, resulting in internal hemorrhaging. Remember, we are discussing short-term impacts. Long-term liver consequences are something you would rather not know, but we will delve into that a bit later.

EXPANDED PROSTATE

Next, we consider the issue of prostate enlargement, a concern associated with aging men. This typically does not occur in younger males, unless they are abusing anabolic steroids. Throughout an average lifespan, the male prostate grows naturally thirty times its initial size. Additional testosterone is not needed for it to grow to the size of a grapefruit. However, when substantial amounts of synthetic testosterone are introduced, the prostate enlarges more quickly. The ultimate consequence is prostate cancer. It is medically established that cancer thrives on testosterone, which encourages the proliferation of cancer cells.

HAIR LOSS

Hair loss in female steroid abusers is caused by the body’s confused overproduction of DHT- an enzyme that inhibits hair, generally affecting both genders similarly. Females witness this transformation initially around the hairline, eventually resulting in irreversible baldness.

MALE TRAITS IN FEMALES

An increasingly deeper voice is another inherently male trait that can manifest in women who abuse steroids due to the substantial testosterone amounts sending male cues to the brain, the control center for hormone generation, and the glands that regulate hormone output. Steroids wreak havoc within the entire system.  Excessive facial and body hair and coarse skin, both male traits, are distasteful outcomes of steroid misuse in women caused by an overproduction of male hormones. While enhanced libido and aggression are side effects affecting both genders, certain effects are particularly female. For instance, an enlarged or elongated clitoris is specifically a female issue, along with a confused and irregular menstrual cycle. Additional characteristics might include shrinking breasts, anxiety, depression, and elevated stress levels. All these traits come from the introduction of synthetic steroids in quantities sufficient to alter muscle development in the female body.

HOSTILITY

In both male and female steroid abusers, evidence of “roid rage” or heightened aggression due to excessive testosterone is a highly debated subject. However, in animal studies, the link between steroids and aggression has consistently been evident. In some research, more than 80 percent of steroid-treated animals become intensely aggressive. In humans, the scenario is muddled by alternative explanations and a paucity of undeniable proof. Only in recent times have researchers managed to verify that steroid-induced aggression is a genuine human occurrence affecting individuals who consume large steroid doses for prolonged durations. This increased aggression can escalate irritability, stress, and violence.  When the brain’s circuits responsible for impulse regulation are influenced by steroids, it impacts the system that restrains aggressive reactions, predisposing some users to explosive outbursts. Researchers remain unaware of why certain abusers are affected more than others, but the connection between steroids and aggressive conduct is a documented occurrence.

PROLONGED SIDE EFFECTS

Only in recent years have experts been able to outline the prolonged impacts of steroid misuse. They are gathering more insights each year as abusers age and complications emerge. HIV One of the most lethal side effects, often dismissed by many users, is HIV. Sharing intravenous needles, coupled with an intensified libido and desire can be a perilous mix. This is particularly relevant in teenage adolescents and young adults who possess weaker decision-making abilities and are more vulnerable to peer influence. HIV and AIDS-related mortalities are climbing, but the epidemic is not as highlighted in the media as past eras. Most individuals tend to think “those things happen to others,” and many steroid users, skilled rationalizers, do not even contemplate it at all.

LIVER FAILURE

Peliosis Hepatitis, a condition where cysts filled with blood substitute liver and spleen tissue, has been documented in patients undergoing long-term anabolic steroid therapy. These cysts are linked to liver failure. Cease of steroid use has shown only a decrease and sometimes total regression of these cysts; however, during steroid use, cysts may form tumors. Painless until a life-threatening abdominal bleed arises.

HEART AND VASCULAR ISSUES

High cholesterol levels, as highlighted earlier in this piece, could lead to early heart issues, heart attacks, and strokes. A boost in muscle mass may place excessive strain on the body, unprepared for the unexpectedly fast muscle development. The heart bears more pressure to supply blood to more muscle tissue, while filtering higher amounts of harmful cholesterol. Additionally, high blood tension from water and salt retention places even further pressure on the heart. Without a doubt, steroid misuse over time will inflict damage.

RESTRICTED GROWTH

Research indicates adolescents misusing steroids risk being permanently undersized. The body’s natural response to puberty is to slow and eventually stop growth, making the adolescent phase pivotal for future development. Upon detecting specific hormone levels, the teen brain signals bones to halt growth, closing growth plates within long bones. Young male abusers can expect to remain shorter than average heights.

LIGAMENT AND JOINT DAMAGE

Steroids fuel increased muscle mass and strength but neglect joints and ligaments. Users will eventually place too much tension on ligaments that cannot adequately anchor the newfound muscle strength, culminating in potentially severe injuries and surgeries to fix torn shoulder joints or knee ligaments. Muscles are exerted, and joints simply cannot withstand it.

WEIGHT ISSUES

Those who cease steroid misuse often face muscle atrophy transforming into fat. Many former users find it difficult to manage weight gain while reducing excess fat and soft tissue appearing once the muscles are no longer nourished by hefty testosterone doses. Added body weight aggravates numerous long-term issues, including the aforementioned cardiovascular concerns.

NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS

Research confirms steroid misuse has lasting effects on the brain’s neural paths. Depending on the user’s age, these effects can become permanent. For instance, steroids abused during teenage developmental years often affect the brain’s serotonin production, an enzyme related to our sense of comfort. Alterations with serotonin can result in long-standing depression and aggression spikes. In women, hormonal interference can decrease progesterone and estrogen levels, potentially unsettling the fragile female hormonal equilibrium, inducing grave anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Even though steroid advocates may extol the benefits steroids have on muscular development and enhanced athletic capability, any well-informed person would struggle to refute the chances of harmful side-effects. Revisiting the causes of steroid misuse, the rampant issue is understandable given the powerful influence of the human desire to achieve or simply feel better about oneself. Nevertheless, even considering no side effect is assured, the predominance of perilous side effects ought to convince most individuals to avoid anabolic steroids. Regrettably, that is not the situation. Presently, over 2 million individuals are reported to misuse steroids in the United States.