Steroids

Anabolic steroids are well known performance modifiers in the field of muscle development. Anabolic steroids are the most powerful agents used to increase muscle mass. In terms of this process, the positive effects of these steroids can be classed into two categories: anabolic and androgenic. As these steroids are anabolic agents, they cause the cells of muscles to grow at an increased rate (anabolism). This is accomplished by promoting protein synthesis, bone growth, and an increase in appetite. The androgenic effects of these steroids cause an increase in the development of masculine characteristics, particularly the development of testosterone, a powerful compound which also contributes to increased muscle growth. In addition, testosterone decreases the fat content in muscles while at the same time increasing the amount of protein, leading to a higher lean body mass. The combined anabolic and androgenic effects of these steroids results in an increase in the size of muscle fibers, leading to more muscle mass and strength for its users.

Negative Health Effects

As performance modifiers, steroids are unsurpassed in their role as muscle-building agents. There are also numerous negative side effects of anabolic steroid use, however. The adverse effects include effects on the internal organs and operating systems of the body, negative aesthetic effects, and psychological effects, among others. First of all, the use of anabolic steroids is damaging to the blood and circulatory system, causing an increase in blood pressure. This increase in blood pressure is especially dangerous when combined with a preexisting condition of hypertension. The structure of the heart can also be damaged; most commonly, the left ventricle undergoes enlargement, hindering its function. These effects can lead to potentially fatal conditions such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. Anabolic steroids, particularly the oral variety, are also quite harmful to the liver. These steroids can cause significant damage to the liver as they are metabolized in the digestive tract. When used over long periods of time, these oral anabolics may lead to liver cancer. In addition, steroids are also known to cause changes in a person’s cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fundamental compound needed by the body for the production of a wide variety of hormones, however there are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Both are not equal in the body, in fact, HDL is often dubbed as being the “good” cholesterol while LDL is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. Anabolic steroids have the most negative effect on cholesterol levels possible: they lower HDL levels and increase LDL levels. Although there are many others, these are but a few of the most significant health risks imposed by the use of anabolic steroids.



Negative Aesthetic Effects

Anabolic steroids also commonly cause a variety of unpleasant aesthetic effects in humans. The use of such steroids promotes male pattern baldness in women, an effect which is irreversible. Female steroid users may also be prone to an increase in the growth of facial hair. In men, steroids are known to cause breast development. As breast tissue begins to grow, the area surrounding the nipple also begins to swell. For this reason, many male steroid users have been forced to undergo breast reduction surgery. Acne is also a common side effect, as are the development of rashes and the yellow staining of both the eyes and skin. Not only that, but the face is also known to take on a more rounded, unpleasant shape. This occurs as a result of increased water retention by the cells of the body.

Negative Psychological Effects

Anabolic steroids have profound effects not only on the internal organs and outer appearance of users, but on their personality and mental health as well. While using steroids, testosterone levels are increased significantly. As a result of higher testosterone levels, extreme paranoia and aggressiveness are often experienced by steroid users. Such conditions often result in fits of rage and at times, violent behavior. These conditions have become commonly known as “roid rage”. Aside from aggressiveness and irritability, steroids can also cause insomnia, fatigue, and even more significant effects such as changes in one’s entire personality. Steroids are usually taken in cycles and when a user comes off of one cycle, his testosterone levels will drop significantly during the 2-3 weeks before the next cycle is started. This massive drop in testosterone can oftentimes cause a person to become depressed and lack energy. It is for this reason that it is very difficult for a person to stop using steroids completely after they have been doing so for a long period of time. After discontinuing the use of steroids, a user will find his testosterone levels have dropped, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and an inability to train at the same level of intensity that he was previously capable of. This is difficult for most people to accept as they find themselves losing the gains in muscle size and strength which they made before.

While steroids are definitely very effective at increasing lean muscle mass and overall strength, the negative side effects associated with these substances seem to outweigh the benefits. Of course, you may hear of some people who have or currently do use steroids and have not experienced any significant side-effects, but these accounts are almost always based on personal experience only and not on scientific research. Like smoking or any other type of potentially dangerous behavior, there will always be people who seem to experience little to no negative side-effects, but this is rare and does not mean that the same will hold true for everybody.


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