Health Damage from Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are far more damaging to the health than they are helpful to athletic performance. Most of the damage is reversible if the abuser stops taking the drugs, but some damage is permanent or fatal.
Short-term Physical Effects
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
- Acne and rashes
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Water retention and bloating
- Bone pain and muscle cramps
Long-term Physical Effects
Secondary Sexual Characteristics/Reproductive System Damage
- Body hair and beard in women
- Deep voice and coarse skin in women
- Feminine breasts in men
- Male-pattern baldness in both sexes
- Interrupted menstruation
- Sterility in both sexes
- Sexual dysfunction in both sexes
- Shrunken testicles
- Enlarged clitoris
- Fetal damage if used in pregnancy
Neurological System Damage
Cardiovascular Damage
- Blood clotting difficulties
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Heart attacks
Liver Damage
- Blood-filled capsules that can burst
- Tumors
- Hepatitis
- Cancer
Other Damage
- Kidney disease
- Easy bruising
- "Moon face" – extra fat around the face
- Fat pad at back of neck/across tops of shoulder blades
- Enlargement of the facial bones
- Stunted height
- Eye infections and diseases
Psychological Damage from Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Some of the most destructive effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids are on users’ minds.
If a particular user is already prone to mental illness, steroids can trigger the illness, whether it’s depression or psychosis.
Steroid abusers are often intensely angry and aggressive. The nickname for steroid-related aggression is "Roid rage," and it is very real.
The list of negative effects of anabolic steroids on the mind includes:
- Psychological addiction to steroids
- Depression
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of interest or energy for everyday life
- Aggressive, violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Manic (abnormally excited) episodes
- Excessive sexual arousal