Steroids are produced naturally in the body to fight stress and promote growth. Anabolic steroids--which are also coined as "roids," "pumpers," "hype," "gym candy," "weight trainers" and "stackers"--are synthetic steroids that are often used to get a competitive edge in sports and competitions. Although they may in fact give you more strength and power, they can also cause a number of side effects to the body.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a hereditary trait that takes place in men and to a lesser degree in women. Taking steroids can lead to hair loss and premature balding. Women who take steroids can also have male pattern baldness, and they can grow hair in areas that they normally wouldn't.
Heart
The heart can be affected in a number of ways when you use steroids. It can become enlarged, the blood vessels can become damaged, your blood pressure can become elevated and your risk for heart disease may go up.
Injuries
Gaining a significant amount of muscle in a short amount of time is one of the positive effects that come from steroids, but this can also have grave consequences. Being that you have the extra muscle and you are lifting more weights, your muscles and tendons are more prone to injury, and your joints can eventually start to ache.
Skin
The liver can become damaged as a result of steroid use. This can cause the skin to become yellow in color (jaundice). Acne can appear in people who have never had it before, and it can become worse in those who already have it. The neck and back are the two most likely areas where acne might be seen.
Psychological
In addition to the physical effects, you may become delusional, believe things that are not true and suffer paranoia. In addition, you may also experience feelings of aggression and depression, and you can have severe mood swings. This is a condition known as "roid rage."
Hormonal Problems for Men
Gynecomastia is a condition wherein the hormones in the body are altered by steroid usage. Men may develop breasts. As a result of hormonal imbalances, the testicles can shrink and sex drive can decrease as well.
Hormonal Problems for Women
In addition to hair loss and growth, a woman's menstrual cycles can become abnormal. Due to the hormones present in the steroids, women's voices may also become much deeper and more masculine.
