ANABOLIC STEROIDS
SIDE EFFECTS

By:AnabolicsInternational.com

 

Side Effects

A. External Changes

a) Changes in the skin
The skin, being the largest organ on the human body is the most sensitive area for side effects, especially for women. The most noticable side effects are when the pores of the skin becoming larger in turn making the skin feel rough. This is usually more prominent in woman who use androgenic steroids because their skin is usually smoother skin to begin with. This process is called virilization. Once this has occurred, the result is irreversible. Acne is can also become a large problem. Persons who already have a problem with acne may find it gets worse and persons with no acne may sudenly find it to be a problem. All side effects differ from person to person. Some determing factors are a person’s composition and the type and amount of steroid used. Females are also more prone to acne as well. There are a number of over the counter agents that one can utilize to help get rid of acne. Stretch marks are also common. They are not directly from the use of steroids but usually apear due to the rapid growth of the muscles. The only way to prevent stretch marks is to grow slowly. We all know that this is not a common desire among steroid users. I would recommend using aloe or some other form of healing and moisturizing gels or lotions to help the skin to stretch during a growth cycle. This in no way garuntees prevention but it will most likely help.

b) Baldness
Contrary to popular belief steroids do not cause baldness. They can however speed up the process up for those who are genetically prohn to male patern baldness. This can be a primary contributer to stress and depressin, a side effect also common among users. Steroids convert largely into DHT, this is what accelerates hair loss. Steroids that are derivatives of DHT can also promote baldness. And yes this is irreversible as well, 99% of the time when you loose your hair it is gone for good. However, modern science is continueing to make progress in the prevention and reversal of male pattern baldness. Lets all keep our fingers crosseed! 

B. Internal Changes

a) Psychological 
Useing high dosages of anabolic and androgenic (primaraly androgenic) steroids, for a prolonged period of time, can produce aggressive behavior in both men and woman. This is commonly called "roid rage". Some athletes consider this to be a positive side effect because of their increased intensity and ability to train harder. However, in most cases it does more harm than good. Often times this "roidrage" will results in loss of friendships, destructive behavior, and an inability to maintan composre and control of oneself. The best way to prevent this potentially destructive behavior is to limit the amount and duration of androgenic compounds in ones system. Also, by being aware and prepared for this particular side effect will make it easier to keep it under control. Another negative psychological side effect is depression. Often times when an athlete has been using steroids and has experienced huge gains in strength and size, they expect to keep these gains after they come off of their cycle. When reality hits and their performance falls back to that of their natural ability without steroids, they often become depressed. High estrogen levels can contribute to this feeling as well.

b) Feminization 
Feminization occurs in males only. When there are Excessive levels of testosterone in the body the extra testosterone can often be converted into the female sex hormone estrogen. This can result in some female characteristics. The most common are, the formation of breasts (gynecomastia), water retention, increased tendency toward fatty deposits, and extremely soft muscles. This usually happens after a steroid cycle has just finished. The males’ androgen level is low and can be easily over shadowed by estrogen. Estradiol, an estrogen, also has an inhibiting effect on the male gonad cycle, resulting in lowered natural production of testosterone which in turn effects the male sperm count. Supplementing your steroid cycle with anti-estrogens such as nolvadex, Proviron, Fludestrin, Teslac, etc. is a good way to help prevent these feminization side effects. With the eception of gynocamastia which must be surgically removed, these symptoms do go away with time, however, they are probably the most feared symptoms by bodybuilders especially those who wish to compete.

c) Masculinization 
Primarily in females, virilization will result in the assumption of masculine characteristics. Some of these side effects ar irreversable. They include increased facial and body hair (hirsutism), deepening of the voice, enlarged clitoris, menstrual irregularities, increased acne, increased libido, thinning of the hair, baldness, anxiety, depression, increased aggression, and changes in the texture of the skin. These side effects are usually brought on by the use of testosterone or steroids with high androgenic characteristics. High dosages and duration of administration also play a large role. Remember, all steroids effect different people in different ways, these symptoms will vary greatly from person to person.

d) Cardiovascular 
You place yourself in higher risk of heart disease with the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids. The use of steroids raises the level of cholesterol in ones system. This is known to cause thickening of arterial walls which could ultimately be life threatening. It is recommended that all athletes always consult a physician before beginning a steroid cycle. One need to be sure that ones cholesterol levels are not already at a high risk. It is also recommended that regular visits be made in order to monitor ones cholesterol. With this one can assume that older male steroid users are at the highest risk, however this does not mean that younger users are not also at risk. Some other factors that could promote heart disease are stress, high blood pressure, and rapid weight increase. A good thing about this major side effect is that it is reversible. Usually upon completion of a steroid cycle, the athlete’s cholesterol levels return to normal.

e) Gynecomastia 
As explained earlier, gynecomastia (bitch tits) is the abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts in a man. This is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can be brought on by the use of steroids. This condition can occur naturally, without the use of steroids as well. This is definitely one of the most feared side effects because it can look terrible, especially if you have plans of competeing. If caught in its early stages, gynecomastia, along with other feminization side effects can be prevented by the use of anti-estrogens such as Nolvadex and Proviron.

f) Growth Deficits
When athletes who have not reached their predicted height use steroids, it is likely that they will not grow to their full potential. With the exception of Oxandrone, all steroid compounds promote the closure of the epiphyseal plates, which in turn discontinues bone growth. This is the main reason why it is highly discourged for teenagers to use any type of steroid.

g) Headaches 
Steroidal compounds and other supplements used by bodybuilders can trigger a hormonal imbalance, which in turn will alter a persons endocrine system. This could explain why many athletes have had this problem. Headaches can also be a result of high blood pressure, which is another side effect associated with steroid use. This side effect can be combated by taking an over the counter medicine such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin. Sometimes heavy training can cuse misalignment in the spine in turn causing headaches. A visit to your chiropractor can sometimes help alleviate some head pain.

h) Kidney Problems 
Certain steroid compounds have been shown to have an adverse effect on kidney function. This, like most other side effects, has a higher tendency to exist when prolonged cycles or high dosages are being administered. Filtering toxic byproducts, and excreteing them is the kidneys main purpose. When a person is on any type of drug, more stress is placed on the kidneys than usual. Both high blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance can lead to improper function of the kidneys. Kidney disorders often manifest themselves in edema, lower back pain, renal colic, fever, kidney enlargement, and swelling in the costovertebral region.

i) Liver Problems 
With the administration of steroidal compounds, liver damage can occur. Peliosis Hepatis is rare condition but is certainly life threatening, because it is not usually detected until the liver completely shuts down or until an intra-abdominal hemorrhage develops. This problem usually repairs itself once steroid administration is terminated. However, for further protection, it is suggested that the use of large quantities of standardized Silymarin extract (Milk Thistle Seed), to the amount of 500mg per day, can promote proper liver function.

j) Immune System 
Some steroids such as testosterone can provide an improved immune system state, making recovery easier and also can ward off viral illnesses. The body can then become somewhat dependent on the steroids and must be rejuvenated after the administration has been discontinued. It is important to do ones best not to become over tired and rundown. By doing this one will allow the immune system to become self-reliant again and therefore effective. Often times when a person discontinues their steroid cycle, they allow themselves to become tired and rundown. This can lead to a tendency to become infected with a viral illness, colds, and sometimes pneumonia.

k) Impotence 
When steroids are first administered, a man will have an increase in sexual function. Unfortunately This is only temporary due to the fact that your body becomes used to the steroid in its system. With prolonged steroid use, eventually men will feel less sexual desire, and an erection will me more difficult to maintain. Luckily, this is only temporary and can even be totally prevented with the administration of substance such as Gonakor and HCG. Also when the steroid administration is discontinued, the body’s natural testosterone levels (like the immune system) will certainly be suppressed. Products such as Clomid and Tribestan, are great products to use to help revitalize a persons natural testosterone levels. 

l) High Blood Pressure 
The best way to monitor your blood pressure is to regularly have it checked by a phisician. There is no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure until it is already too high. Then some common symptoms are headaches, vision problems, insomnia, and shortness of breath. High blood pressure is usually induced by high water or sodium retention accompanied with a rapid weight increase. Some other factor that can promote high bllod pressure are stress, overworking, over eating, and holding your breath during very heavy lifts.

m) Stomachaches 
Oral steroids have been known to bring about stomachaches in some users. Anapolon, Stenox, Primabolan, Winstrol, and Dianabol are among the most common. The symptoms can range anywhere from a slight discomfort to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Sometimes, takeing steroids with a meal can help prevent this.

n) Water/Salt Retention 
Most steroids will cause a water and electrolyte storage in the muscles resulting in a swelling of the tissue. For the most part this is not looked at as such a negative side effect due to the increase in muscle size and strength. However this can con tribute to deppression when a person comes off a cycle and loses this water retention in the muscles. The main problems with water retention come with the increased water retention in the skin and blood. This usually is what gives a persons skin a puffy and swollen aperance and puts a larger strain on the heart. High estrogen levels brought on by excess testosterone levels can also cause unwanted water retention. The use of a diuretic can help to relieve ones body from the excess water and salt retention.

What Leads To Negative Side Effects
The biggest contributer to negative side effects is misuse. Everybody is different and the side effects that a certain steroid will have varies widely from person to person. Commonly, negative side effects are more prevalent in a person who has used large doses of strong androgenic substances for prolonged periods of time. It is very important to be aware of all the effects that the steroids one administeres might produce. One also needs to be able to recognize when they are happening so that the proper steps and precautions can be taken to rectify any problems that may occor. Regular doctor visits are always recommended for blood checks and advice. Another big contributor leading to negative side effects is the use of fakes. As described in the section identifying fakes, most fakes do not even contain anabolic or androgenic substances and more dangerously, may not even be sterile. This could lead to a whole world of problems and potential life threatening diseaseses. It is very important that if you are using injectable steroids, you should never share needles with another person. You should also never use a needle more than once. You should always use sterile equipment. Steroids are illegal substances and if abused can have very negative effects on the human body. They can also be very safe and helpful if used correctly and under a physician’s supervision.

Written by: B. Knight
anabolicsinternational.com