Anabolic steroids, technically known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) or colloquially as "steroids", are drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles.
Short-Term Side Effects of Systemic Steroids
Most people receive systemic steroids for only a few days at a time, and experience only temporary side effects. These may include an increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), changes in mood and behavior, flushing (redness) of the face, and short-term weight gain due to increased water retention. These side effects usually resolve after a few days once the steroids have been stopped.
People with underlying medical conditions might also notice other side effects. Those withdiabetes mellitus may see an increase in their blood sugar readings; those with high blood pressure may see their blood pressure readings rise. People with glaucoma could have an increase of the pressures within their eyes; people with congestive heart failure may retain water and have worsening of this condition. For this reason, a person with any chronic underlying disease should be closely followed by their physician while taking systemic steroids.
Long-Term Side Effects of Systemic Steroids
When steroids are used for long periods of time, or when steroids are taken on multiple occasions, more serious side effects may occur. It is for these reasons that the dose and duration of systemic steroids should be minimized whenever possible. Some side effects can be decreased by taking systemic steroids every other day instead of daily, even if the total dose is the same. Many of the side effects are reversible if the steroids are stopped, while other side effects may be permanent.
Side effects of long-term steroid use includes:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- High-blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Acid reflux/GERD
- Osteoporosis
- Myopathy
- Increase in certain types of infections
- Cushing syndrome
Anabolic Steroids and Liver Damage
Research especially those studying hospitalized patients, show the liver can suffer serious effects from the use of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids reduce the livers excretory function. This is particularly so with the steroids containing 17-alky. The liver can suffer from a bleeding cystic condition that is potentially fatal. Use of steroids has also been linked to liver cancer, although this is very rare.
Research especially those studying hospitalized patients, show the liver can suffer serious effects from the use of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids reduce the livers excretory function. This is particularly so with the steroids containing 17-alky. The liver can suffer from a bleeding cystic condition that is potentially fatal. Use of steroids has also been linked to liver cancer, although this is very rare.
Anabolic Steroids and the Cardiovascular System
Although no long term studies have been conducted into the effects of anabolic steroids on the heart and the vascular system there is evidence from studies and investigations that they can cause or are risk factors for cardiovascular system damage, problems with blood pressure and lipoproteins such as cholesterol. There is some evidence that anabolic steroids can cause structural changes to the heart and that heart disease and strokes are possible with anabolic steroids especially oral types of the drug.
Although no long term studies have been conducted into the effects of anabolic steroids on the heart and the vascular system there is evidence from studies and investigations that they can cause or are risk factors for cardiovascular system damage, problems with blood pressure and lipoproteins such as cholesterol. There is some evidence that anabolic steroids can cause structural changes to the heart and that heart disease and strokes are possible with anabolic steroids especially oral types of the drug.
Anabolic Steroids and the Male Reproductive System
As anabolic steroids are so strongly associated with male traits such as strength and muscles it seems tragic that the side effects of the drug are:
As anabolic steroids are so strongly associated with male traits such as strength and muscles it seems tragic that the side effects of the drug are:
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