Side-Effects of Steroids

If you’re thinking of using anabolic steroids you need to understand there are possible anabolic steroid side effects you may have to deal with. As with all side effects pertaining to all drugs, many of the side effects of steroids are largely individually based, as well as based on your own education and understanding. Many of the possible steroid side effects can be prevented, many can be reversed once use is discontinued but you need to have a grasp of not only the possible steroid side effects but how anabolic steroids work as well. If this isn’t a topic you’re familiar with, referring to anabolic steroids in general, be sure to brush up and do a little digging once you’re through here and then come back and read it again. If you don’t understand how anabolic steroids work the side-effects of steroids are not going to make a lot of sense.

Frequent Anabolic Steroid Side Effects

Many anabolic steroids aromatize and this can lead to a few unwelcome steroid side effects; most notably Gynecomastia but it is within this aromatizing effect many experience unwanted water retention as well. Your best bet for combating this nasty steroid side-effect is through the use of an aromatase inhibitor during your cycle, as well as performing a proper post cycle therapy. Many anabolic steroid users escape the “Gyno” monster during their cycle only to have it knock down the wall after the cycle due to excess estrogen buildup. Make sure you use adequate medications such as Clomid or Nolva after your cycle to not only prevent these types of steroid side effects but to implore proper recovery as well.

Other common steroid side effects revolve around cholesterol and blood pressure. However, many times and by “Many” we mean most of the time these issues can be avoided by eating properly, as well as supplementing your diet with the necessary means of proper function. Almost all anabolic steroid users will experience a drop in their HDL cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) and like Gynecomastia this is avoidable or easily remedied. Many anabolic steroid users will find supplementing with fatty-acids to be their saving grace.

As it pertains to the side effects of steroids and high blood pressure, more times than not this is due to oral anabolic steroid use; not always but more times than not. If you fall prey to this effect the solution is simple; stop using oral anabolics. If you have blood pressure issues without oral anabolic use then unfortunately anabolic steroid use may not be for you. It should also go without saying; if you suffer from high blood pressure before anabolic steroid use you should forgo use until the issue is under-control.

Testicular shrinkage is one of the steroid side effects most are familiar with. When we take anabolic steroids our natural testosterone productions comes to a stop. Due to this shortage in production our testicles shrink; they have no reason not to. If this is a concern there isn’t a lot you can do about it if you choose to use anabolic steroids; it is one of the side effects of steroids largely accepted as inevitable for the male user. That said, once use is discontinued and your natural testosterone production begins again, your testicles will return to their normal size.

Irreversible Steroid Side-Effects

With the possible side effects of steroids we’ve discussed so far, all are avoidable or reversible but there are those that once they’re there, they’re there to stay. Perhaps the most common is that of hair-loss; if you are someone who was going to go bald anabolic steroid use can speed up the process and once you lose your hair, short of a transplant there’s no getting it back. However, if you are not susceptible to baldness, generally you are in the clear. The most prevalent irreversible side effects of steroids fall within usage of female anabolic steroid users. While females are susceptible to many of the same steroid side effects as men, they are also prone to some unique unto their own; such as dreaded masculine effects. These steroid side effects are reversible if caught early on and if abuse is not implored but once they are allowed to set in, often there is not a lot that can be done.

When speaking of irreversible steroid side effects we would be remised if we did not bring up Gynecomastia yet again. Although it is easily preventable, if it is allowed to set up shop and not dealt with then it is there to stay. If you reach this point the only way you can have it removed is to physically have it surgically removed.

The Side Effects of Steroids and Responsibility

When it comes down to the side effects of steroids the end results will be up to you. Use, not abuse is the key. More often than not, horrific anabolic steroid side effects are due to irresponsible individuals who not only abuse outright but further have no understanding or education behind anabolic steroid use. Understand one thing, although many of the steroid side effects you hear of are blown out of proportion or are for a better word an outright lie, side effects of steroids are real but they are also manageable and avoidable.

The Physical Side Effects of Using Steroids for Males

Steroids physically affect the body in a number of ways. Steroids affect males differently than females. The drugs produce different side effects in different people. It is important to know that steroids such as testosterone are produced in the body, and many of the changes produced by steroids are simply amplifying what occurs naturally within the bodies of all people. For example, all men have breasts, but the use of steroids can cause them to become enlarged beyond what is considered normal.

Overall Side Effects

Two of the major side effects of the use of steroids is an increase in both body weight and an increase in strength. These are among the primary reasons that men use steroids. A result of steroid use is muscular hypertrophy, or increase in size, from the stimulation of protein synthesis. This process can help the development of muscle tissue and reduce the amount of recovery time needed after weight lifting. However, some of the negative effects from using steroids include bloating and acne. The steroid user may gain weight, but some of this is attributed to water retention and bloating. Steroids also affect the heart. The heart is a muscle, and steroid usage can causes changes in the heart. One of these changes is a decrease in HDL cholesterol and an increase in LDL cholesterol, resulting in overall raised cholesterol. Many of the physical side effects of steroid use aren't seen by the human eye and affect the body on the inside.

Reproductive Side Effects

Testosterone (a steroid) is naturally produced in the testes of males. When the body is acquiring testosterone from an outside source, it will reduce the amount produced naturally. When this substance is introduced to the body in unnatural amounts and in unnatural ways, it can result in the testicles shrinking, lowered sperm production and impotence. In addition, men may experience enlarged breasts, frequent erections and unusual hair growth and loss. Steroid usage can also lead to an enlarged prostate and can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Men can also experience infertility as a result of steroid usage. In addition, the male sex drive may undergo changes.

Side Effects in the Central Nervous System

In addition to looking different, steroid users will also feel different. Many of these side effects won't manifest themselves to others, but some of them will in some men. Behavioral changes and psychosis are common. This psychosis is drug-induced and results in a loss of contact with reality, leading to poor judgment, violence and impulsive acts. Steroid users will often abuse other substances in an effort to counteract the side effects of steroid usage. Many steroid users will suffer from depression as a result of using the drug. This depression can be so severe as to lead to suicide. Steroid users may be antisocial and avoid contact with other people, even though their steroid usage could improve their appearance in the eyes of others.