According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone called testosterone. The NIDA further goes on to explain that steroids are produced and prescribed for patients with a steroid hormone deficiency. Some people may use steroids in a bid to improve performance or appearance. The possible side effects of steroids, according to the NIDA, are psychiatric dysfunction, addiction and changes in physique. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other possible side effects of steroids are easy bruising, blurred vision and muscle weakness.
Psychiatric Dysfunction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, onepossible side effect of steroids is psychiatric dysfunction. A psychiatric dysfunction is the onset of any mental disorder. The National Institute on Drug Abuse further states that patients who use steroids may become very aggressive and experience other extreme mood swings. They may also have paranoid jealousy and feelings of invincibility.
Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists addiction as one of the possible side effects of steroids. The potential for addiction in steroid users is consistent with continued use or abuse even if there are serious physical and social problems associated with use. Individuals who have been using steroids for long periods of time may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using the steroids.
Changes in Physique
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, another possible side effect is pronounced changes in physique. The changes in physique will depend on the age and gender of the person taking the steroids. Men will experience a significant shrinking of the testes accompanied with reduction in sperm production, baldness and exaggerated development of breasts. Women will have a growth of facial hair and male pattern baldness. They may also have an accentuated deepened voice. Adolescents experience stunted growth that makes them significantly shorter in height than they would have otherwise been.
