Simply because the same muscular strength enhancements are gained by athletes and non-athletes this does not mean that anabolic-androgenic steroids do not come without side effects (Harthens and Kuipers, 2004). The adverse physical and mental side effects can affect long term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids as well as short term users whether they be athletes or non-athletes (Harthens and Kuipers, 2004). Side effects related to anabolic steroid use fall into many different categories such as: cardiovascular, hepatic, dermatologic, reproductive-endocrine, male specific and female specific, behavioral and injection related (Amsterdam et al.,2010). Some minor sometimes irreversible physical side effects seen in long time and short term steroid users include but are not limited to: acne (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), testicular atrophy in males and clitoral hypertrophy in females (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), voice deepening in females (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), male pattern baldness (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), increased hair growth (Evans, 2004), gynecomasita in males and breast tissue atrophy in females (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), increased cholesterol levels (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), impaired diastolic function (Amsterdam et al.,2010).
Some chorionic physical side effects due to steroid use include but are not limited to: cancer (Evans, 2004), hypertension (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), heart attacks (Evans, 2004), jaundice (Amsterdam et al.,2010), neoplasia (Amsterdam et al.,2010), infertility (Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010), and atherosclerosis (Evans, 2004). As well, physical dependence on anabolic-androgenic steroids in some individuals, due to their long term use can increase the chances of adverse physical effects (Evans, 2004).
Along with the wide array of physical side effects that accompany the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids there is a spectrum of mental side effects that also can impact an individual taking anabolic-androgenic steroids (Harthens and Kuipers, 2004, Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010, Talih et al., 2007). There are varying forms of mental side effects (Harthens and Kuipers, 2004, Evans, 2004, Amsterdam et al.,2010, Talih et al., 2007). These vary from mildly irritating behavioral effects to uncontrollable behavioral outbreaks (Evans, 2004). Unlike with physical side effects which are based mainly on the amount and duration the steroid is taken the mental effects depend more on the dosage administered (Evans, 2004). Some mental side effects steroid users’ can exhibit include but are not limited to: aggression (Evans, 2004, Talih et al., 2007), depression (Evans, 2004, Talih et al., 2007), mood swings (Evans, 2004, Talih et al., 2007), anxiety (Evans, 2004), and body obsession (Evans, 2004).
One way steroids affect players is the effect on the mind and mental health of users. When baseball players take steroids, they put their bodies at risk. The risks include psychiatric symptoms such as bipolar disorder (Mitchell 55). Studies have shown that if baseball players get involved with steroids, there is strong chance they will experience symptoms like bipolar disorder or severe depression. Steroids also affect the cardiovascular system. They can cause heart attacks and increased or decreased cholesterol levels, and also cause the heart to become enlarged (Mitchell 55). The cardiovascular system faces tragic effects when people decide to use steroids. The liver is affected by steroids also, as the liver can become impaired, become cancerous, and thus cause skin to yellow (Mitchell 55). The f...
Several effects of steroid use have been identified. These include an increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and a decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These lipid changes if allowed to continue over long periods of time could result in coronary heart disease (6). Some other side effects of steroids in men include shrinking of the testicles; reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts, and increased risk of pro...
Anabolic steroids have been heavily used amongst athletes since the 1950’s; the purpose of using is to add muscle mass, speed, strength, and endurance. Anabolic steroids come in two methods, injectable forms and oral forms. Oral and injectable steroids metabolize in the body differently. Oral steroids include some different hormones than injectable steroids. Oral steroids can include, but not limited to, methyl testosterone, fluoxymestrerone, and stonazolol. Injectable steroids can contain, but not limited to, Trenbolone acetate, testosterone propionate, and stanzolol. Surveys have been taken and have shown that 80-100 of bodybuilders, weightlifters, and professional athletes have used or are using steroids. As the doses of steroids grow larger and larger, it has said to increase aggression, fatigue loss, less libido, and mood changes.
Anabolic steroids are drugs derived from the male hormone testosterone. They promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. Although anabolic steroids have many approved medical uses, some athletes and others seeking to improve performance and physical appearance abuse them. These nonmedical uses are illegal and carry many health hazards. There are many signs that one can look for in a person who is suspected of using Anabolic Steroids. There is dramatic gain in weight and muscle mass over a short period of time (NIDA September1997). Another is severe acne. Others could be water retention, baldness or hair loss, even in the worst cases severe and sometimes violent mo...
"Anabolic steroids is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (e.g., testosterone). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects) in both males and females”(National Institute on Drug Base).First, the benefits of steroids are very obvious to see. The user gains strength, mass, and speed in a short amount of time. Also, the user has a more aggressive attitude, which is good for football players. However, there are more bad side effects than good. The side effects include hair loss, acne, liver damage, kidney damage, increased breast tissue and becoming very aggressive. These are just some of the horrible bad side effects by using steroids.
You’ve all seen them, the enormously large muscle-heads at the gym, the participates of the World’s Strongest Man Competition, the amazing offensive tackles, and the lightning fast runners. They were all unnaturally strong, and looked like gods. You tend to obsess over how beautiful their bodies are, how strong they are, or how fast they can run. All you can think about is reaching that level of athletic excellence, and nothing will hold you back. At times like these some people tend to take the quick fit to get closer to their idols, in the form of steroids. But what individuals tend not see is the horrible side effects that accompany the use of these anabolic steroids. These powerful drugs have both positive and negative results from their use. Along with increased strength and size, users of steroids suffer from a wide range of sicknesses such as cancer, shrinkage of testicles, bad acne, hair loss, damage organs, intense mood swings, and impotence.
Souza GL, D., Hallak, J. (2011) Anabolic Steroids and Male Infertility: a Comprehensive Review. Blackwell Science. Vol 108 (11): 1860-5
Health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels, acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart. Conditions pertaining to hormonal imbalances such as gynecomastia and testicular atrophy may also be caused by anabolic steroids.
Many athletes take steroids in higher doses than medically recommended, which causes, as I mentioned before, serious physical side effects such as: prominent breasts, baldness, shrunken testicles, impotence for men and infrequent or absent period, baldness, deeper voice, enlarged clitoris for women, and both might experience high blood pressure, heart problems, acne and liver tumors. Also, teenagers face risks, as cited in an article by Marty Kaminsky, Dr. Gary Wadler, professor of Medicine, New York University, says: “For a teenager, steroid use hastens the closing of the long bones. The body thinks you have finished adolescence, so you may not reach your genetically predetermined height.” (Boy’s Life, June 2005).
While the effects of steroids can seem desirable at first, there are serious side effects. Excessive use can cause a harmful imbalance in the body's normal hormonal balance and body chemistry. Heart attacks, water retention leading to high blood pressure and stroke, and liver and kidney tumors all are possible. Young people may develop and a halting of bone growth. Males may experience shrinking testicles, falling sperm counts, and enlarged prostates. Women frequently show signs of masculinity and may be at higher risk for certain types of and the possibility of birth defects in their children. The psychological effects of steroid use are also alarming: drastic mood swings, inability to sleep, and feelings of hostility. Steroids may also be psychologically addictive. Once started, users, particularly athletes, enjoy the physical "benefits" of increased size, strength, and endurance so much that they are reluctant to stop even when told about the risks. Major athletic competitions, including the Olympics, routinely screen athletes to prevent steroid use.
Anabolic steroid use is very dangerous and illegal in the USA. Steroid abuse is where danger comes into play. Anabolic steroids can be used safely with many positive effects and minimize the side effects if used safely, and in moderation. "I used steroids. It was a risky thing to do, but I have no regrets. It was what I had to do to compete. The danger with steroids is overusage. I only did it before a difficult competition – for two months, but not for a period of time that could harm me. And then afterward, it was over. I would stop. I have no health problems, no kidney damage or anything like that from using them." (Schwarzenegger) The positive side effects of steroids include increase in the male sex hormone (testosterone); which spikes improved recovery rate, increase in euphoria, gain in strength and size, increase in sex drive, and beco...
Some of the ill effects of the drugs are damage to the kidneys and liver. A person can also alter the balance of the natural hormones. This can cause detrimental affects to the body. The effects of you natural hormones being out of balance can last several years after being off the drugs. Some male user form breasts due to the use of steroids. Because of the increase in testosterone, steroids can cause serious acne problems. When used by teens is can cause stunted growth. Other side effects include genital changes, water retention, yellow eyes, coronary artery disease, ligament injuries, high blood pressure, changes in cholesterol levels, sterility and liver disease. The list goes on and on. Women that use steroids run the risk of male pattern baldness. Some effects of steroids are even worse. Some people fall into comas after injecting the drugs, some may even die from the injections (Kalawalski 13-15).
...atitis (A, B, and C), obesity, skin rash, serious inflammation to the pancreas and liver (Staff). In the worst case scenarios when taking anabolic steroids, the liver can shutdown (needing a liver transplant), develop cancer (long-term effect), and cause heart failure.
In the female body, anabolic steroids cause masculinization. Breast size and body fat decrease, the skin becomes coarse, and the voice deepens. Women may experience excessive growth of body hair but lose scalp hair. With continued administration of steroids, some of these effects become irreversible. Both types of steroids can be taken by, injection, orally, or by being rubbed on the skin.
Forty-eight percent of high school students use steroids to improve athletic performance. Steroids can increase performances for athletes but steroids also affect the mind and character of the person. Some effects of steroids are impaired learning and hearing, violent behavior, and overly aggressive behavior. When women take steroids they start to show signs of masculinity such as deepening of the voice, increase in body and facial hair also the skin starts to roughen. Anabolic steroids give the one who takes them an unfair advantage in athletic competition. The advantage that they receive is not the same as natural born characteristics of ability.