Top 10 Harmful Effects of Steroids
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Anabolic steroids or steroids are masculinizing hormones that are often used by athletes to increase muscle mass. These steroids has many longterm harmful affects on the athletes that use them regularly:
1. Masculinization
This generally happens to females and is caused by increased testosterone. Male pattern baldness, increased facial hair, increased acne, growth of body hair, and changes in skin texture are the most harmful effects of steroids on females.
2. Feminization
Feminization can be noticed in men due to the conversion of excessive testosterone into female hormone estrogen. Masculinizing steroids are androgens and feminizing steroids are estrogens and progesterones. Formation of breasts, reduced sperm count, decreased libido, shrunken testes, soft mass muscle, and impotence can occur. These side effects can be treated by medication.
3. Cardiovascular
Steroids increase the bad cholesterol which in turn increases the entire cholesterol level of the body and this can lead to clogs in blood vessels. This makes you more susceptible to heart disease and strokes. Moreover, rapid increase in weight due to steroids is also accompanied by high blood pressure and together may leave users of steroids more vulnerable to a cardiovascular event. These effects can only be controlled to an extent if they are caught before the person has had a heart attack or a stroke.
4. Growth Defects
Premature closure of the growth rate is another common and harmful effect of using steroids in teens. High school athletes should be cautious as this may lead to stunted growth.
5. Kidney Problems
Stress is caused for the kidneys by the use of toxic products like steroids and this can lead to high blood pressure and imbalances in electrolytes. Increased swelling in the lower legs and ankles may indicate a kidney problem.
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6. Liver Damage
Steroids can lead to tumors and liver damage. Use of android steroids can also be addictive.
7. Skin Problems
Skin is sensitive to steroid use, especially in women. Growth of large pores and acne problems are the most common skin problems caused by steroids. Rapid weight gain and muscle growth that happens due to usage of steroids can also leave prominent stretch marks.
8. Effect on Brain
Studies show there is a direct correlation between high testosterone levels and aggressive behavior which provokes users to get involved in violent acts. Users of steroids may also experience psychotic syndromes and a high level of anxiety. Sleep disturbances, feelings of euphoria, high levels of paranoia, depression, extreme mood swings, and changes in personality are also side effects of using steroids.
9. Blood Poisoning
Sharing of non-sterile needles is common amongst steroid users as many of them are frightened to go to a needle exchange to obtain a supply of sterile needles if they are labeled addicts. This can cause blood poisoning and increases the risk of infectious disease. Medical intervention may be required if user’s injection site becomes swollen.
10. Impotence
Testes will not be able to carry out their normal function due to use of steroids. If the supplementary testosterone is stopped it may take some time for the testes to get a signal from the pituitary gland that they need to begin manufacturing testosterone once again. Moreover, high doses of testosterone in past can result in testes ceasing production. Long term drug usage can cause lack of erection as well.
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