Androgenic anabolic steroids, more commonly known as anabolic steroids or simply steroids, are man-made chemicals that mimic the male sex hormone testosterone. Although certain anabolic steroids have legitimate medical uses, illegal abuse to enhance athletic performance remains prevalent. Anabolic steroid use can cause a variety of adverse side effects in men and women, ranging from unwanted changes in physical appearance to heart failure.
Testicular Shrinkage
The testicles of males taking androgenic anabolic steroids often shrink, a condition known as testicular atrophy. Sperm production typically drops in association with testicular atrophy, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These side effects may lead to male infertility.
Male Breast Development
MayoClinic.com reports that males taking anabolic steroids often exhibit growth of the soft tissue of the breast, a condition known as gynecomastia. Breast development occurs because the body converts some of the excess circulating androgenic steroids into estrogen, the female sex hormone. The estrogen acts on the male breast tissue, stimulating development in the same way it does among women. Male breast development is usually irreversible.
Female Masculinization
Women taking anabolic steroids undergo a series of physical changes due to the testosterone-like effects of the drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that masculinizing changes include breast shrinkage, severe acne, increased body hair, growth of coarse facial hair, voice deepening, enlargement of the clitoris and male pattern baldness. Many of these changes are irreversible.
Liver Cysts and Tumors
The use of anabolic steroids is associated with an increased risk for development of noncancerous or cancerous liver tumors, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The use of these drugs may also precipitate the development of blood-filled cysts within the liver, a condition known as peliosis hepatis. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals reports that possible complications of peliosis hepatis include jaundice, liver failure and potentially fatal internal bleeding caused by cyst rupture.
Cardiovascular Disease
Anabolic steroid use can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. MayoClinic.com reports that anabolic steroids increase the blood level of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and lower circulating HDL, the "good" cholesterol. These effects can increase the risk for developing coronary artery disease--narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart caused by fat deposits in the arterial walls. Additionally, anabolic steroids may increase blood pressure, another contributing factor in the development of heart disease. Anabolic steroid abuse has been linked to the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Mental and Behavioral Changes
Anabolic steroid use may increase the risk for depression, reports MayoClinic.com. The drugs have also been linked to adverse behavioral changes, including aggression, irritability, moodiness and violent rage, often referred to as "roid rage."
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Research Report Series--Anabolic Steroid Abuse
- MayoClinic.com: Performance-enhancing Drugs: Are They a Risk to Your Health?
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Peliosis Hepatis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic)
- Drug Enforcement Administration: Anabolic Steroids: A Guide for Understanding the Dangers of Anabolic Steroids
