Steroids are actually an entire class of drugs that can be prescribed to treat a variety of conditions. The type of steroid used to enhance athletic performance is called anabolic-androgenic. Anabolic refers to the muscle-building effects of these drugs. The word androgenic refers to the fact that these drugs are variants of naturally occurring male sex hormones. In addition to increased muscle mass, androgenic-anabolic steroids cause a number of other wanted and unwanted effects.
Desired Effects
Most people take steroids to help build muscle and increase strength but some take them for one of their other effects. Steroids can cause an increase in aggressiveness, which can be an advantage for some athletes. Others claim they experience a state of euphoria when taking steroids.
Side Effects for All
In addition to their desired effects, steroids cause a number of unwanted side effects. Unwanted side effects range from those that are just a nuisance such as acne and oily hair to those that can be life-threatening, like cancer and abnormalities of the heart. Some of the most troubling side effects of steroid use are liver damage including tumors, jaundice (a yellowing of body tissues), hypertension, increases in LDL and decreases in HDL, heart attacks, and manic rages. The specific side effect and the severity of the side effect that one encounters are likely due to the dosage, duration and type of anabolic-androgenic steroid used.
Side Effects for Men
Steroids can cause a number of negative side effects unique to men. When taking steroids, the body mistakes the artificial male hormones for those of the body and so the body stops making natural male hormones. As a result many male characteristics are altered. These characteristics include a shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count and possible infertility. In some cases males may actually develop female characteristics including breast development.
Side Effects for Women
The increase in synthetic male hormones can cause women to develop male-like characteristics. Some women experience growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, and a deepening of the voice. Women also may encounter an altered menstrual cycle. Infertility may also be a result of steroid usage.
Side Effects for Youth
Use of steroids among young people results in a specific set of possible side effects. It is possible for younger individuals to have their growth stunted due to premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes. The effects of steroids on an individual's rate of growth can be particularly damaging if the drugs are taken before the individual experiences the usual adolescent growth spurt.
