Anabolic Steroids Side Effects

The side effects from steroids can be very serious. However, the truth is the media makes them out to be worse than they actually are, which makes athletes turn away from anabolic steroids. Below are some of the most common side effects associated with anabolic steroids. Taking steroid properly, you can minimize, if not eliminate, any side effects.

Water Retention:
This is most common from using steroids. It is a “puffiness” or swelling in the neck and facial areas. It is rather notable mainly if you know the person is on steroids. There are safe drugs which can be taken to minimize water retention. Water retention increases and decreases depending on one's diet.

Acne:
How many times have you heard this, "I want to take steroids, but I am afraid of getting acne."? It is a very common side effect, athletes who have never had acne can get it, and it can make it worse for those who already have it. It can also appear in new areas on the body, such as, the back and neck. On the other hand, there are numerous steroids users that do not get any acne. The truth is, it's not as bad as the media makes it to be, they like to make people think their whole body will break if they touch any steroids.

Gynecomastia:
People don't recognize the name gynecomastia, they recognize it's other, well known name, BITCH TITS.. It is the formation of breasts, or abnormally large glands. The first signs are lumps under the nipples, then will gradually grow to fatty tissue and increase in size. With the right anti-estrogens (which our suppliers carry), this side effect can be eliminated.

Aggression:
Anabolic steroids do cause aggression, but the word "ROID RAGE" is a myth. Certain anabolic steroids can make an athlete more irritable, or aggressive, but any "rage" or uncontrollable mood swings are all in the mind. If one cannot control their aggression, they should not be using anabolic steroids in the first place.

Hypertension:
High blood pressure is also a chance when taking steroids. Most athletes would not know if they had high blood pressure so it is suggested to get tests regularly. High blood pressure can lead to many more serious diseases.

Below are more side effects, which are less common and not seen very often.

Cardiovascular Disease:
Studies have shown that steroid use is a risk factor for heart disease, which is due to the fact that steroids affect cholesterol levels. Over a period of time the cholesterol builds up and clogs the arteries.

Palpitations:
Heart palpitations have been reported by a number of athletes on steroids. These may indicate an excited or elevated level of the central nervous system.

Impotence:
When steroids are first used sexual interest increases because of the heightened frequency and duration of the erections. But eventually the opposite happens and no erections can be produced. Once the steroid cycle is over, the testosterone levels will eventually return to normal; the process can be sped up by taking such drugs as clomiphene citrate, or HCG.

Jaundice:
A serious liver disease which is found by an enlarged painful liver, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and flu like symptoms. This happens when athletes use high dosages of steroids. (RARE)

Here are some more possible side effects from www.cancerbacup.org.uk:

Irritation of the stomach lining. Steroids can increase the production of stomach acid and lower the production of protective stomach mucus. This can irritate the lining of the stomach and may cause or aggravate a stomach ulcer. To reduce this side effect the tablets should be taken with meals or milk. Tell your doctor if you have indigestion, stomach pains or abdominal discomfort.

The levels of sugar in your blood may change temporarily. This may happen if you have high-dose or long-term treatment. While you are having your steroid therapy your blood sugar levels will be checked regularly by blood tests. You may be asked to test your urine for sugar. You will be shown how to do this. Tell your doctor if you get very thirsty or if you are passing more urine than usual.

Fluid retention due to changed salt and water balance. You may notice that your ankles and/or fingers swell. Some people have a bloated feeling in the abdomen. This is usually only a problem with long-term treatment. Increased appetite. You may notice that you feel hungrier than usual while taking steroids, and this can make you want to eat more than usual.

If you are concerned about weight gain speak to your doctor or contact CancerBACUPs information service.

Increased chance of infection and delayed healing of injuries. This happens mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection (inflammation, redness, soreness or a temperature) or if cuts take longer than usual to heal. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infection.

Menstrual changes. Women may find that their periods become irregular or stop.

Behavioral changes. You may notice mood swings, difficulty in sleeping and perhaps anxiety or irritability. These happen mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment and will stop when the steroid therapy ends. Tell your doctor about any behavioral changes which are worrying you. Difficulty in sleeping may be reduced by taking the steroids in the early part of the day, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Less common side effects

Cushings syndrome. This is usually caused only by long-term use of steroids. It can cause acne, puffiness of the face, dark marks on the skin and facial hair in women. Cushings syndrome can be partially reduced by taking the steroids early in the morning, by taking them on alternate days instead of every day, or by reducing the dose, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Muscle wasting. With very long-term use of steroids, wasting of leg muscles may occur. This can cause weakness. When the steroids are stopped some people experience muscle cramps for a short time.

Osteoporosis. With very long-term use of steroids, calcium may be lost from the bones. This can result in pain (especially in the lower back), an increased susceptibility to fractures and loss of height.

Other side effects include: enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, sterility, shortness, and head and stomach aches.

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