Anabolic Review

It is important to note that many of the side effects are strongly related to dosage and duration of intake. In most cases the side effects are reversible. Another factor is that everybody reacts differently and where some people may develop problems other will suffer little ill effects. Be aware of the potential side effects and manage them accordingly.

Potential side effects associated with the use of Anabolic Steroids and related products:

Inhibition of the Gonad Cycle

The most notable side effect of especially highly androgenic anabolic steroids is the reverse feedback on the gonad cycle.

In short the elevation of testosterone cause by the use of steroids will result in a decrease in the bodies own testosterone production. The resultant manifestation are reduced testosterone production, reduces sperm production and testicular atrophy, all of which are completely reversible under normal circumstances.

These side effects have prompted the use of both anti-catabolic agents and drugs that restore the gonad cycle like Clomid as well as symptomatic treatments like Pregnyl. The notion that steroid use causes sterility is absolutely untrue and ungrounded.

Liver stress/damage/cancer

Liver problems are mostly associated with the long-term use of steroids and most often with people who has had previous liver disease or dysfunction. Elevated liver values are almost exclusively the result of androgenic steroids with an alkyl substitution on the C-17 alpha of the steroid. The liver has to break these types of steroids down causing the resultant elevation in liver values. These return too normal after use has been suspended.

Some steroids can be very toxic to the liver and continued use will result in liver damage. Most athletes manage this by providing for adequate breaks between cycles or substituting with steroids that are less toxic to the liver. Most injectable steroids have very little if any adverse effect on the liver.

There is currently no evidence to conclusively link the use of anabolic steroids to liver cancer.

Water and salt retention

The fact that most steroids cause water retention by creating an electrolyte imbalance is not all bad and in some cases desirable. The problem is however that the excess retention of water in the organs, skin and blood can cause major problems. Excessive water retention can cause increased blood pressure. The severity of this problem is almost always dose related.

Aromatizing problems

Due to the high level of testosterone in the body as a result of the intake of steroids, the body converts some of the testosterone in to estrogen also referred to as aromatizing. This may cause several related problem for the steroid user. These may include gynecomastia or the development or swelling of the nipples, an increased amount of fat deposited in the hip area, soft muscles. These side effects can become vary annoying especially at the end of a steroid cycle and is combated by the intake of anti-estrogen.After use has been suspended the problem subsides with time.

Acne and skin disorders

The most noticeable is acne or bad skin. The main cause is an increase of oiliness in the skin as result of the sebaceous gland being over stimulated. The main cause for this is thought to be the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dehydrotestosterone). This is also why injectable testosterones followed by Anaplex and Dianabol are the number 1 cause of acne in steroid users, but individual sensitivity and habits play a huge role. Acne and bad skin causes all sort of problems for the user. To combat the problem, keeping the skin clean and moistures is the first step. Using a sun bed may also help but drying out the skin may in fact make matters worse. The use of acne drugs and preparations may help bring this problem under control.

Another effect of the use of steroids may manifest itself in stretch marks on the skin due to the very fast expansion caused by high doses of steroids. This is not reversible and the scarring will remain. Steroid uses will also notice a thickening of the skin.

Gastric stress

In some cases the use of oral steroid can result in diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In most cases this can be overcome by taking the tablets with a meal.

Hair loss

Steroid cannot cause baldness, but can accelerate male pattern baldness. This is a result of the conversion into DHT. Because some steroids are very close derivatives of DHT, they may be more prone to accelerating the problem. The effect is of course irreversible. Duration of use will be a factor in the severity of the balding process.

Cardiovascular side effects

The use of steroids has been associated with both an increase and decrease of cholesterol levels in the blood. This increases the risk of heart disease. Again, dose and duration as well as choice of steroid play a huge role in the occurrence and severity of this problem. The increased weight and blood pressure caused by steroids can also increase the individual’s risk for heart disease

Enlargement of the heart

It has not yet been conclusively proven that the use of anabolic steroids will lead to the enlargement of the heart. It is clear however that the circumstances surrounding the use of steroids may contribute to the problem. Most steroid users train hard and consistently and this in itself will cause the heart to enlarge, not meaning that this is a negative aspect of training. The use of steroids may therefore contribute or accelerate this action. Again, duration is a factor in the severity of the problem.

Prostate enlargement

The possibility that the use of anabolic steroids can cause prostate enlargement has not yet been confirmed, but experience has shown that in some cases this does happen. Users who has suffered from the problem reports difficulty with urination and also indicate that the problem subsides with the discontinuation of the steroid treatment.

High Blood pressure

The pronounced water and salt retention caused by the use of anabolic steroid will result in an increase in blood pressure. Coupled with the increased intake of food and high intensity training the increased blood pressure should be monitored so as not to exceed 130/90

Stunting of growth

The use of anabolic steroid will lead to the premature closure of the epiphysial cartilage that will lead to the stunting of growth. The only steroid that does not lead to this serious problem is Oxandrolone.
This side effect is irreversible.

Kidney damage

The intake of anabolic steroid results in an increased production in toxin in the body. Coupled with high blood pressure and other effects can lead to strain on the kidneys. This can result in darker urine or even blood in the urine. Increase water intake can help reduce the problem.

Virilization in women

As can be expected the intake of anabolic steroids, especially highly androgenic steroids can have an adverse effect on a woman. These side effects manifest themselves in all sorts of ways from increased facial hair to clitoral enlargement, deepening of the voice, disruption of the menstrual cycle, depression, aggressiveness, increased libido and so on. It must be noted that the intake of steroids by woman should be carefully researched and controlled, the side effects are in all cases irreversible in women.

Psychosomatic disorders

These include the obvious increases in aggressive behaviors that can have far reaching social implications. Depression and a general sense of feeling bad are not uncommon especially with some steroids. The concept of reverse anorexia is also a problem but to complex to discuss here but it does point to a physiological addiction that can occur with steroid users

Other important side effects

Increased blood clotting time, increased risk of injury to muscles and joints and potential infections in the injection points. Anaphylactic shock is possible but uncommon. Headaches and nausea are also possible.