| 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 sunbed 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 behaviours 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. |
|
|
