Steroids are synthetically produced drugs that are similar to testosterone, the male sex hormone, according to MedlinePlus. Use of steroids is often associated with an attempt to increase muscle mass, athletic ability and self-esteem. When abused, steroids have been shown to cause serious damage to the skin, internal organs and hormones, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Skin Damage
Use of steroids has been shown to cause acne, cysts and fluid retention, according to NIDA. Acne results from an increased production of oil from the sebaceous glands. Steroid-related acne tends to appear as a cluster of small outbreaks on the face, chest and back. Additional skin damage resulting from steroid abuse may include bacterial or fungal infections, according to DermNet NZ.
Risks to Heart and Liver
Steroid abuse has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to NIDA. Steroid abuse affects the body's production of cholesterol, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis. Steroid abuse also causes damage to the liver and has been shown to cause liver tumors and jaundice.
Hormones
Perhaps the most noticeable impact steroids have on the body is how they affect hormone production, reports NIDA. Steroid abuse has been shown to cause disruptions in the testosterone produced in males. The results of this disruption include shrinking of testicles and breast development. Females abusing steroids tend to experience an increase in the production of testosterone. This causes a deepening of the woman's voice, excessive growth of body hair and male-pattern baldness.
