Side-effects of anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are hormones that
are important for  fundamental cell functions, such as division and growth. They are
responsible for the increase of
muscle volume and strength by promoting protein
synthesis. Anabolic steroids are major factors for development of strong myoskeletal system in general.
Basically, anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, which is a natural androgen.
Androgens which are also referred to as testoids or androgenic hormones are biological
substances that give anabolic effects and the characteristics of the male gender. In
fact, the term “androgen” has been taken from the Greek language and means
“the creation of male”. Apart from testosterone, androgens include
dihydrotestosterone, androstenediol, androsterone, androstenedione and
dehydroisoandrosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone.
Virilization side-effects of anabolic steroids.
 Growth of the clitoris in
females and the penis in male children. The adult penis does not get larger, even when
exposed to high doses of androgens.
Increased hairiness in areas
of the body, such as pubic, beard, chest and limbs. This side-effect can happen in both
genders.
Increased vocal cord size
which, in turn, deepens the individual’s voice.
Increased libido. This may be
temporary, since suppression of endogenous sex hormones and impaired spermatogenesis can
occur at a later stage and lead to reduced fertility in both genders, low sexual response in females and
impotence in
males.
Other side-effects of anabolic steroids.
The limbic system is
consisted of parts of the brain that control psychological condition, learning ability
and memory. Anabolic steroids can influence the limbic system. Studies in animals have
shown that anabolic steroids can weaken learning capability and memory.
Many androgens are metabolized to compounds which can cross-react with estrogen
receptors, producing unwanted effects such as accelerated bone maturation in children and
increased breast growth in males which is called gynecomastia. In females, decline of
breast can happen.
Other side-effects can be
atrophy of testicles, high blood
pressure, glucose and cholesterol increased blood levels, persistent
acne vulgaris and baldness in males. In numerous
cases, such side-effects may not be reversible.
In females, anabolic steroids,
apart from causing the above virilizing side-effects, prevent regular menstrual cycles to
occur.
Studies have given evidence
that anabolic steroids may interfere with the absorption of vitamin D and compromise bone density.
In adolescents, abuse of
anabolic steroids can affect the proper development of the skeletal system, resulting in
bones shorter than usual.
Serious medical conditions can
be caused by excessive anabolic steroids use. For instance, megalocardia is one of them
and involves the heart enlargement. This happens, because the organ is a muscle and it is
affected by the anabolic properties of androgens. Megalocardia can lead to heart failure
over time.
Certain steroid compounds,
such as 17-alpha-alkylated, can result in the occurrence of jaundice, cholestatic hepatitis and potentially liver tumor.
Nevertheless, this type of steroid is used quite often, because it cannot be affected by
the gastric acids of the digestive system, when taken orally.
Scientific researches have
shown that aggression, depression or irritability and other psychiatric side-effects may
be the aftermath of anabolic steroids abuse. Many users report feeling good, while being
on anabolic steroids but researchers warn that extreme mood swings can occur, including
manic-like symptoms leading to violence. Severe outbursts are known as "roid rages".
Quite often, depression occurs, when the drugs are discontinued and may contribute to
dependence on anabolic steroids. Researchers report that users may also suffer paranoid
jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions and impaired judgment caused by a sense of
invincibility.
Studies indicate that some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the
negative effects of anabolic steroids. For example, tranquillizers and opioids are quite
often used to counteract insomnia and irritability caused by the use of anabolic
steroids.
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