SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKE STEROIDS

Unfortunately, there is more data on negative side effects than on any other aspect of the steroid problem. Note that these consequences mainly occur with abuse, overdose and illiterate intake of anabolic steroids. It is well known that such manifestations are characteristic of all types of drugs - from aspirin to anticancer drugs. In the interests of objectivity, we will indicate all foreign sources available to us. The only domestic benefit is limited to an inexpressive reprint from a pharmacological reference book, which you can familiarize yourself with.

Adverse reactions to anabolic steroid abuse can be very serious. Unfortunately, as already mentioned, mass media gave such data excessive sensationalism. At the end of the chapter, you will find the results of a survey of the athletes themselves. Unfortunately, he only touched on short-term side effects - delayed effects. for the most part unclear and unexplored. Any athlete who, despite our warnings, decides to use anabolic steroids should be prepared for the fact that negative effects can appear that can lead to potentially dangerous chronic conditions.

The most common and pronounced side effects of steroid use are outlined below.

sodium retention. It causes edema - tissue swelling due to excessive water retention. For most athletes, this is expressed in a slight increase in body volume and smoothing of the relief. A "swollen" look is the most noticeable sign by which it is possible to determine that an athlete is sitting on a cycle without doping control. Edema is especially noticeable on the cheeks and under the eyes. In addition to this cosmetic inconvenience, sodium and water retention as a consequence can lead to acute bouts of high blood pressure. In this case, it is prudent to stop using steroids or to bring down high blood pressure with medication. This, as you understand, is not the best solution. Sometimes this water retention is a sign of an underlying heart or kidney disease.
Especially large water retention can be caused by various testosterone preparations. Often with this phenomenon, thinning, tension and discoloration of the skin are observed.

acne(acne). Anabolic steroids can cause acne or aggravate an existing problem. Severe acne on the back, chest, shoulders, neck and face is a signal that some athletes are sitting on the cycle. Human skin is capable of destroying androgenic hormones contained in it in very small quantities. When exogenous steroids are used, the concentration of such hormones tends to exceed the level that the skin can handle, allowing bacteria to multiply. This is combined with the increased oiliness of the skin that is inevitable with steroid use, and the situation becomes even more unfavorable. In addition, a person may be genetically predisposed to acne. The degree of skin damage depends on the androgenicity of the steroids taken. It is necessary to avoid products that lead to such problems and try to keep the skin dry and clean. To cleanse the body, it is worth using skin antiseptics, as well as sunbathing or UV radiation. If all this fails, the last resort is antibiotics. But then the action of these drugs in other acute cases, such as influenza, may be weakened. In addition, antibiotics can cause digestive disorders, leading to dysbacteriosis.
Gynecomastia. Abnormally enlarged breasts in men are a common side effect that makes it possible to determine who uses or has used steroids without doping control. Bill Phillips claims that at least nine Mr. Olympia contestants recent years were subjected surgical operation to remove fatty tissue accumulated around the nipples. The main reason for this effect is the aromatization of steroids - the conversion to estrogen at excessive dosages. Expressed manifestations gynecomastia also signal the onset of structural degeneration of liver tissue, which cannot cope with excess testosterone.
Keep in mind that the resulting gynecomastia will not disappear. Moreover, it will increase with each subsequent cycle of steroids. Sometimes it is even accompanied by the secretion of colostrum! If you still decide to resort to steroids, you can avoid gynecomastia by taking them for short periods time and in a gentle dosage. Another way is to take antiestrogen drugs or aminoglute-thymide, drugs that block estrogen receptors (for example, Nolvadex) or drugs that block the aromatase enzyme, which causes the conversion of excess androgens into estrogens.

Aggressiveness. The increase in aggressiveness is very typical for steroid users. Some athletes find that this helps them to better tolerate training loads and perform better in competitions. However, more often aggressiveness acts as a negative phenomenon. Many steroid users begin to be hostile towards family, friends, employees - their behavior becomes defiant and even unbearable. They develop emotional instability. Ordinary situations can cause such athletes to have an unnecessarily aggressive reaction, which is further exacerbated by the use of alcohol. This type of behavior is mainly driven by various testosterone esters. The athlete using steroids must anticipate this development and be prepared to use willpower to suppress unwanted outbursts of rage.
Two Harvard Medical School psychiatrists, Drs. Harrison Pope and David L. Katz, have found that people who use anabolic steroids have serious mental disorders: depressive manifestations, visual and auditory hallucinations, uncontrolled outbursts of irritability, manic episodes. In the West, some psychiatrists and psychologists are already widely using the term "steroid rage" due to the fact that manifestations of this side effect are recorded more and more often.

Dr. Kitzman believes that steroid users develop a certain type of psychological addiction. His point of view is supported by Jerry Brainam, who devoted a large article to this issue in the May 1990 issue of Muscle and Fitness magazine. More people who use steroids are behind bars, vandalizing or committing attacks on people and even murders. Lawyers in some states in the US are bringing in experts to make sure their clients' behavior is the result of steroids. Megalomania and paranoia are also very common signs of this side effect. But in our opinion, this aspect of the impact of anabolic steroids is clearly exaggerated by the authors of the articles, obviously fulfilling a social order.

Arterial hypertension(high blood pressure). High or at least elevated blood pressure becomes a problem for many athletes who use steroids. This tends to happen at the same time due to rapid weight gain and water retention in the body. Initial symptoms may include headaches, insomnia, and difficulty breathing. This condition is fraught with gradual degeneration of blood vessels, which leads to aneurysms, heart attacks, or progressive heart disease. Needless to say, chronic high blood pressure is the cause of many diseases of the cardiovascular system that kill the most people on the planet.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system. As can be seen from the above, anabolic steroids significantly increase the risk of heart disease. But this is not only due to the development high blood pressure. Steroid use affects the user's cholesterol levels and profile: general level cholesterol increases, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decrease, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increase. This can lead to the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of arteries, and later to complete blockage of blood vessels. Experts advise athletes who are thinking about taking steroids to be sure to take into account the analysis data. If your cholesterol levels are high before you start steroid therapy, the risk increases significantly. The degree of risk depends on the type of steroid, doses, duration and regimen of use, composition of the diet, as well as genetic sensitivity to cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the intensity of training and types of exercise, as well as the presence or absence of other risk factors, also matter.
Enlargement of the heart. With long-term massive use of steroids, the development of cardiac hypertrophy is possible. This condition can be very dangerous. Bill Phillips gives a sad example: a young athlete died from an expansion of the heart, allegedly caused by long-term use of steroids. high school in Ohio. The symptomatology of this effect is difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, high pressure blood. In this case, you should stop using steroids, reduce body weight and work on a low-intensity aerobic exercise program.
virilization. This is a group of side effects associated with the androgenic activity of steroids. Virilization means hypertrophied development of secondary male characteristics. Most often, the first symptom of this negative reaction is a change in voice - it becomes low and hoarse. This is not a reversible phenomenon. In men, hair growth on the face and body increases, the skin becomes greasy. Priapism, thinning hair on the head, alopecia (hair loss in patches) and, in some cases, prostate hypertrophy are also possible. Women may notice the onset of virilization by a decrease in the size of the mammary gland. Enlargement of the clitoris is another common negative reaction. The skin becomes rougher, its structure changes, the secretion of sebum increases, the reaction of sweating to various stresses intensifies. Hair appears on the face, on the limbs they become thicker. In extreme cases, male pattern baldness can develop. As a rule, all this happens against the background of dysmenorrhea (menstrual irregularities up to the cessation of menstruation).
Virilization is directly related to excessive duration of administration and increased dosage of androgenic steroids. This, of course, should be avoided, since many virilizing effects become irreversible if their development is not prevented. Competent athletes do not practice long cycles, especially when taking highly androgenic testosterone esters, which are mainly responsible for virilization. Experts advise at least to avoid those steroids that have a high androgenic index.

Cancer. The use of anabolic steroids is very rarely associated with cancer. But such a connection may still exist. As a result of taking steroids in the liver, tumors can occur that raise suspicions of cancer. It must be said that most often these deviations were recorded in persons long time using alpha-alkylated oral medications. It is also possible peliosis hepatis (hemangioma of the liver) - cysts filled with blood. This condition is considered reversible, but nevertheless increases the risk of developing liver cancer. In January 1984, the Annals of Internal Medicine reported the death of a 26-year-old bodybuilder who had a malignant neoplasm in the liver.
liver dysfunction. It has been established that prolonged steroid therapy, especially at high dosage, leads to progressive cholestasis, jaundice and other negative changes. There are reports of 7 deaths as a result of liver failure, and all serious cases of abnormal liver function were associated with oral steroids.
If any of the following signs of liver dysfunction appear, you should immediately contact a specialist:

Atrophy or enlargement of the lobes of the liver;
changes in texture (eg, increased density or nodules);
pain on palpation and balloting (pressure and release);
jaundice;
darkening of the urine (not to be confused with a change in color as a result of taking certain vitamins);
visceral pain in abdominal cavity, aggravated by the channel or movements;
palmar erythema (redness of the palms) and arachnoid hemangioma (brown star-shaped spot on the skin);
swelling of the tissues at the base of the nails on the fingers;
change in mental status or neurological function.
About jaundice, or hepatitis, should be said separately. This is a serious disease characterized by increased soreness of the liver, in which the whites of the eyes and skin become yellow. It usually occurs in athletes who have used very high doses of steroids for a long time. Jaundice can also be diagnosed by elevated level bilirubin, for which it is necessary to do a blood test. It should be remembered that this is the most reliable indicator, since external symptoms and signs appear only when the disease is neglected or serious. An athlete with hepatitis should stop taking steroids in order to avoid serious complications.

Bleeding. When using steroids, the blood clotting time increases by 2-4 times. Another negative consequence- increased nosebleeds, which in many people are accompanied by an increase in blood pressure.
Headaches. Many steroid users suffer from acute headaches. This may be a symptom of hypertension. Sometimes athletes suffer from headaches due to excessive contracture of the neck muscles. And migraine-type pains are believed to be based on a hormonal imbalance that develops when taking steroids.
Pain in the stomach. Oral anabolic steroids can cause stomach discomfort. The best way to avoid this - do not use a medicine that causes such sensations, and take steroids with meals. Loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn are also possible. It is believed that steroids can upset the normal balance of the intestinal flora, which causes their users to suffer from various gastrointestinal infections.
Muscle and bone damage. In athletes using steroids, tears, tears and other damage to muscle tissue occur more often than others. It is believed that this is the result of an emerging imbalance between increasing muscle contractility, and insufficient strength of ligaments and tendons. At best, this leads to tendonitis and inflammation, at worst - to traumatic injuries. Some authors point to the possibility of muscle cramps and spasms, as well as a decrease in the elasticity of muscle tissue under the influence of steroids. Another observation is the appearance of scars from stretching the epidermis on the deltas, biceps and pectoral muscles, which may be associated with a decrease in the level of collagen in the skin. It is also not uncommon for steroid users to have fractures and cracked bones.
Prostate enlargement and other problems with it. Anabolic steroids are directly related to prostate enlargement, which can develop into a malignant phenomenon. Doctors directly link prostate cancer to exposure to androgens, especially testosterone. Athletes are advised to undergo an appropriate examination at least once a year. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement are urination disorders (increased urge or, conversely, complete blockage), difficulty with bowel movements, pain in the spine and pelvic region.
Impotence. Many athletes suffer from libido changes. At the beginning of the steroid cycle, there is a slight increase in sexual desire, accompanied by an increase and an increase in the duration of erections. But during the use of synthetic hormones, the secretion of endogenous testosterone is reduced, and impotence may occur. It is also possible after the cancellation of the steroid cycle, when testosterone does not come from outside, and the own reproductive system has not yet restored the required level of androgens in the system. Steroid users can also develop testicular atrophy, accompanied by a low sperm count in semen. Particularly strong impact various forms synthetic testosterone. The time it takes to return to normal reproductive function varies from person to person. Researchers indicate that this period can be delayed up to 14-26 weeks.
Premature hair loss. Many athletes who resort to steroids complain of a noticeable thinning of the hair on their heads. This is especially likely with unfavorable heredity, and can be observed in both men and women.
Growth arrest. Young people who use steroids risk not realizing their growth potential. The fact is that steroids can "close" the epiphyseal growth zones of tubular bones.
Inhibition of the activity of the immune system. After a cycle of steroids, many report an increased susceptibility to viral diseases, colds, and even pneumonia. A distinct decrease in the efficiency of immunocompetent cells is already observed during steroid therapy. There is no doubt that steroids at least temporarily weaken the immune system. This negative effect is seen in those who have taken steroids for more than 10-12 weeks.
Insomnia and other disorders of the central nervous system . Athletes often complain of difficulty falling asleep during a cycle. This is due to the fact that steroids have a slight stimulating effect on the central nervous system. The problem is removed with the discontinuation of the use of these drugs.
Metabolic disease. Steroids have a strong effect on the metabolic needs of the body, and therefore, even when taking a sufficient amount nutrients there may be a deficiency. For example, studies have shown that a steroid course leads to a severe deficiency of vitamins B1, B6, B5, A, B12, choline, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chromium and manganese.
Some athletes report strong fluctuations in blood glucose. Glucose levels begin to drop, which is accompanied by weakness, dizziness, and fatigue.

A general slowdown in the rate of metabolic processes was noted, especially with the systematic use of steroids. There is evidence that these funds have a negative effect on the thyroid gland, reducing the effectiveness of its functioning / This creates great difficulties in achieving relief before the competition.

Steroids have been found to cause the body to retain a significant amount of calcium. After the course is stopped, this calcium is excreted intensively, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Separately, we will say that the self-administration of steroids in unsanitary conditions puts the athlete at risk of contracting AIDS. In 1986, a report appeared on the first cases of AIDS in bodybuilders who were not homosexual and were not included in other risk groups. One of them injected steroids every week for four years.

Of course, this list is far from complete. New studies will be conducted, the results of studying the delayed effects of anabolic steroids on the body will appear, and the list will be expanded by far from the most pleasant additions. You can say: "When will it all be! And now it is important for me to enter the competition in at its best". Alas, this is the logic of so many people who resort to steroids.

author unknown .. source - Internet

Do not judge strictly ... much can be disputed, but for beginners, in order to avoid reckless actions and stupid questions info will help...