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.
Anabolic steroids should not be confused with corticosteroids. The latest are hormones with anti-inflammatory properties. Corticosteroids do not produce anabolic effects and do not cause myoskeletal growth and virilization which are the typical effects of anabolic steroids.
Anabolic function involves high protein production which, in turn, leads to the development of strong and large muscles and bones. Apparently, the anabolic steroids user requires large amounts of food, since the needs for protein and energy are far higher than an average person. High production of red blood cells is the necessary result of the increased anabolic function, because more oxygen is required to be transferred into the tissues that biochemical reactions take place.
Anabolic steroids have been used or abused extensively for their anabolic properties but in numerous cases the benefits coexist with the unwanted virilization and other serious side-effects. In fact, there has been huge effort on behalf of specialists to manufacture steroids with more anabolic action and less androgenic effect but the results are quite controversial.
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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