Drugs known as steroids include anabolic and cortisteroidal varieties. Cortisteroids help control inflammation in the human body. Physicians often prescribe them for medical conditions such as asthma and lupus. Anabolic steroids can increase the body's capacity for muscle production and prevent muscle atrophy. Anabolic steroids are often abused and, without a physician's prescription, can lead to fines and jail time. Side effects from steroid use range in severity and include kidney problems, skin issues and cardiovascular impairment.
Kidney Problems
Study results published in the February 2010 issue of Renal and Urology News reveal the kidneys as one of the organs that suffer the most from steroid abuse. Kidneys filter the human body's waste, but in cases where overuse of steroids occur, severely reduced kidney function and abnormal levels of protein in the urine are common. Elevated body mass from steroid use increases strain on the kidneys and leads to hyperfiltration injuries. This can lead to renal failure that requires dialysis. Discontinuing use of steroids in early stages of damage can reverse kidney injuries.
Skin Issues
An article on the website of "Iron Man Magazine" says acne is the most common side effects from steroid use. Sebaceous glands under the skin increase in size from steroids. These larger glands produce increased volumes of sebum, which when combined with abnormal keratin levels from steroid use, form lesions containing larger volumes of skin lipids, including cholesterol and free fatty acids. Normally dormant bacteria eat these fats and thrive, in turn producing acne. This can lead to ulcerative acne. Acne caused by steroid use is often unresponsive to dermatological treatment and may be resistant to healing even after steroid use ceases.
Cardiovascular Impairment
Evidence exists to implicate steroid use in making structural changes in the heart. A study published in the "International Journal of Sports Medicine" reports a mild hypertrophy of the left ventricle in some cases, with a decreased diastolic relaxation. Links between steroid use and cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction and cerebro-vascular accidents exist as well.
Cessation of steroid use often leads to reversal of cardiovascular impairment with six to eight weeks; however, long term studies on these effects do not yet exist (Reference 4).
