According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), anabolic steroids were originally developed in the late 1930s to treat hypogonadism, which is a condition where the testes don't produce enough testosterone. Over time, scientists learned that these anabolic steroids could increase muscle mass. In addition to an increase of muscle mass, steroids can also cause serious side effects like liver and kidney damage. In 1991 Congress made steroids illegal to possess or sell without a valid prescription due to their widespread abuse and harmful side effects, according to the ONDCP.
Liver and Kidney Damage
According to Everydayhealth.com, anabolic steroids can cause a liver condition known as cholestasis where bile leaks into the blood stream. Side effects of cholestasis are itching, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine and jaundice.
In addition to liver damage, steroids can also cause serious kidney damage, according to a 2009 study conducted by the Columbia University Medical Center. This study found that steroid abuse can lead to a severe reduction in kidney functions and scarring of the organ. Researchers suggested that steroids place an unhealthy level of stress on the kidneys' filtration process.
Psychological Side Effects
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR), anabolic steroids can cause the following side effects: mood swings, feelings of invincibility, episodes of intense rage or violence known as "roid rage," paranoid jealousy, delusions, extreme irritability and impaired judgment.
Male Side Effects
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), anabolic steroids have the following side effects on men: shrinking of the testicles, infertility or reduced sperm count, baldness and gynecomastia. According to the Mayo Clinic, gynecomastia is a condition where men experience growth in their breasts due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in the body from steroid abuse.
Female Side Effects
According to NIDA, women experience the following side effects from anabolic steroids: male pattern baldness, deepened voice, changes in menstrual cycle, and an enlarged clitoris. Women also experience increased hair growth to their face, back, and chest. According to the Psychology department of Vanderbilt University, these changes in women are irreversible.
