Steroids (anabolic) are a class of synthetic steroids that produce effects comparable to testosterone and are identified as anabolic androgenic steroids or AAS. The drugs promote the growth of bones, vocal cords, skeletal muscles, testicles and body hair.
Anabolic steroids use
- Therapeutic – enhancing appetite and body growth, treating lean muscle wasting conditions, puberty acceleration, testosterone hormone replacement, gender identity disorder treatments
- Ergogenic enhancement – cosmetic bodybuilding and athletic performance boosting combined with high intensity exercise and increased protein intake
The steroids have four methods of administration
- Oral pills
- Skin patches
- Creams and gels
- Injection
The drugs affect lean muscle mass by increasing the metabolism, production of proteins and reducing the muscle recovery time by reduction of cortisol effects on muscle tissue. Men and women are affected differently, which depends on body composition, age, and health status.
Too much steroids use is dangerous and can lead to irreversible health side effects
Prolonged use and/or high dose of anabolic steroids generally produce lifelong health conditions that are irreversible. The adverse side effects of excessive steroids use are
- Formation of cysts and acne
- For men – growth of breasts (gynecomastia), testicle size reduction, suppression of sperm production, increased risk of prostate cancer
- For women – Excessive body hair growth, breast size reduction, voice tone change, changes in menstrual cycles, male-pattern baldness
- Premature ending of bone length growth in adolescents
- Increased change of injury to ligaments, muscles and tendons
- Changes in cholesterol levels and imbalance of LDL and HDL ratios
- Significant immune functions impairment
- Severe water and salt retention resulting in high blood pressure
- Increased risk of cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases
- Blood clotting
- Enlargement and other changes in heart structure that significantly alter contraction and relaxation of heart muscles
- Heart arrhythmias, failure and premature death from sudden circulatory arrest
- Liver tumors
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis of kidneys (formation of kidneys scar tissues) resulting in impaired kidneys functions
- Male baldness due to increased testosterone to DHT conversion rate
- Significant changes of hormonal ratios that adversely affect functionality of multiple organs
- Psychiatric changes leading to aggression, violence, maniac and psychosis disorders, steroid dependence, mood disorders that can cause severe depression and lead to a suicide
Anabolic steroid withdrawal treatments
- Anabolic steroids abuse can be treated by gradual withdrawal of steroids administration and may require the following
- Analgesics for body aches
- Antidepressants to help the withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapies for psychosis disorders