Steroids are a drug closely resembling the male hormone testosterone. Originally invented for medicinal purposes, they are often illegally used by athletes to improve their performance. While the positive effects are more prevalent initially, the negative side effects are numerous and can be life-altering.
Health
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "the major effects of anabolic steroid use include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention, and high blood pressure," all of which can be serious or mild. Because steroids affect cholesterol levels, excessive steroid use can also lead to heart disease. Acne is another common side effect of steroid use, often giving acne to users who have never had acne before.
Males
For males, gynecomastia, or the development of breasts, caused by abnormally large fatty tissue glands are very common. When first beginning steroid use, men are excited about the more frequent and longer-lasting erections that develop. This, however, eventually becomes the exact opposite, leaving the male unable to have an erection. Along these same lines, men experience a decrease in sperm count and infertility. Baldness is also not uncommon among male steroid users.
Females
For female steroid users, they often begin to grow more body hair in unwanted regions of the body. Many women also notice a change in the depth of their voice, sounding lower than before. Finally, many women experience irregularity in their menstrual cycles, or a cessation of the cycle altogether.
Adolescents
Adolescent steroid users commonly experience a stunted growth pattern, not reaching their expected stature in adulthood. Also, the normal speed of development in puberty is often sped up to a more accelerated rate of development.
Behavior Changes
Behavior changes are another side effect that is often seen in steroid users of all ages and genders. Referred to as "roid rage," many athletes like the increase in aggression that leads to better playing during events or games and more intense workouts. Unfortunately, these aggressions follow them off the field to their friends and family. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research has shown that "users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility."
