Anabolic steroids, typically just called steroids, are drugs related to testosterone that increase muscle mass, strength and the ability to work out harder and for longer periods of time. While some athletes and bodybuilders see these effects as a benefit, these drugs carry unwanted side effects, many of which can be dangerous.
High Blood Pressure
Steroids can cause high blood pressure because the drugs force the body to retain salt and water, as well as raise the red blood cell count and hematocrit, which add to the increase in blood pressure, according to the Association Against Steroid Abuse. Prolonged high blood pressure can enlarge the heart and lead to heart failure, hardening of the arteries, narrowing of blood vessels, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.
Liver Malfunction and Failure
The liver filters everything that goes into the body. The Association Against Steroid Abuse says that steroids have been associated with liver tumors and a rare disease called peliosis hepatitis, in which liver cysts filled with blood start to form. These cysts and other liver tumors can rupture and cause dangerous internal bleeding. Peliosis hepatitis can also cause liver failure.
Reproductive System Effects
Steroids can affect the reproductive systems of both males and females. Steroids are related to testosterone, and taking these drugs can affect other hormones the body makes. According to the Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science, males taking testosterone can experience testicular atrophy, an increased number of abnormal sperm cells, decreased fertility and gynecomastia, or development of breast tissue. If a woman is pregnant and taking steroids, these drugs may irreversibly affect the fetus, causing growth retardation or even fetal death. Women may also experience hair loss, male-pattern baldness and deepening of the voice.
Neurological Problems
Steroid use and abuse can cause changes in the pathways of the brain, says the Association Against Steroid Abuse. If steroids are taken during adolescence, changes in the body's ability to produce serotonin may occur, causing permanent increases in depression and aggression. Neurological problems in women who take steroids may involve hormone changes that contribute to increases in severe anxiety and depression.
Heart Problems
In addition to the aforementioned increases in blood pressure affecting the heart, steroids cause increases in blood cholesterol, further increasing the risk of heart problems. The large increase in muscle mass accompanying steroid use makes the heart work harder to provide blood to the tissues while also trying to process higher levels of cholesterol. The heart is not prepared for these sudden changes and over time becomes damaged, says the Association Against Steroid Abuse.
