The Effects of Using Anabolic Steroids

Imagine going bald at age 24. That is one of the many effects of using anabolic steroids. The effects to your appearance include balding, acne, gynecomastia (growing of male breast), increased muscle mass, and many more. The internal effects include decrease in sperm count, increased chance of heart disease, headaches, kidney & liver problems, and the list goes on. There is also increased aggression in steroid users. (Anabolic 1-4)

The skin is the largest organ on the human body. It is also the most sensitive area for side effects, especially for woman. Improper steroid usage causes damage to the skin. It causes severe acne to the skin. Most of the acne occurs on your back. Stretch marks also occur all over the body. (Anabolic 1)

Gynecomeastia occurs in male steroid users. Gynecomeastia is the enlargement of the breast in men. This effect also can occur with the usage of steroids. So basically you cannot detect steroid use just because some one has gynecomeastia. (Anabolic 3)

Growth defects occur in teens that have not reached their full potential height. The reason for this is that most steroids promote the closure of the epiphyseal plates. That discontinues bone growth. That's why teens are not recommended to use steroids. (Anabolic 3)

Anabolic steroids can trigger a hormonal imbalance, which alters the endocrine system. This causes headaches. It is also a symptom of high blood pressure, which is another effect of taking steroids. The only way to get rid of the headaches is by taking over the counter medication. (Anabolic 3)

Kidney problems are associated with taking steroids also. Electrolyte imbalance and high blood pressure leads to kidney problems. It causes the kidneys to function improperly. Kidney disorders often are reflected in edema, lower back pain, renal colic, fever, kidney enlargement, and swelling in the costovertebral region. (Anabolic 3)

Liver damage also occurs when you use steroids. Using steroids sometimes causes a life threatening disease called Pelisi Hepatis. It shuts down the liver completely, and is very hard to be detected. (Anabolic 3)

Steroids do not cause balding, but it speeds up the process of balding to people who are going to end up bald anyway. So you get bald quicker than if you don't take steroids at all.(Anabolic 3)

If you take steroids your immune system speeds up. Then the body can be dependent on the steroids. The body must be rejuvenated after you stop taking steroids. Then you become tired and the body becomes rundown. This leads to colds, viral illnesses, and pneumonia. (Anabolic 3)

When a male starts taking steroids, he will have an increase in sexual function. This will soon end when the body gets used to the steroid.