DANGERS OF USING ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Dangers of Anabolic Steroids

Many who abuse anabolic steroids will use them in “cycles.” They go on and off anabolic steroids to try to avoid negative side effects from the drugs. Despite these “off” cycles, there are still long-term risks from taking steroids.

Studies have linked steroid abuse to liver cancer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.

There have even been reports of athletes who were in seemingly peak condition collapsing and suddenly dying from the stress steroids had put on their hearts. Abusing anabolic steroids can also stunt adolescents’ growth. Steroids can cause premature aging of the bones. If a teen hasn’t progressed fully through puberty but is taking steroids, he or she may become stuck at their current height. Injecting anabolic steroids increases the risk of contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Possible side effects of anabolic steroids include:

• Vomiting blood
• Yellow eyes and skin
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Baldness
• Increased cancer risk
• Insomnia
• Blood clots
• High cholesterol
• Severe acne,
• Oily skin
• Hair loss
• Liver disease, tumors, and cysts
• Heart disease and attacks
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Mood-swings
• Irritability and aggression
• Depression and suicidal tendencies
• Altered cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
• Infertility
• Shrinking of testicles
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Deeper voice in women
• Stunted growth and height in teenagers
• Risk of viral or bacterial infections due to unsterile injections
• Menstrual irregularities in women

Steroid abuse can also lead to significant psychiatric and behavioral issues. One of the most common issues documented in long-term steroid users is violent behavior. Domestic violence, armed robbery and even murder have been linked to steroid use.