Steroids are synthetic versions of the hormone testosterone that promote muscle growth and male sexual characteristics. These chemicals were originally developed as a treatment for delayed puberty, but due to their ability to build muscle and enhance the body’s performance in sports, steroids have become popular among various types of athletes and bodybuilders. However, these substances are also known to cause a wide variety of negative and sometimes life-threatening steroids effects.
One common side effect of steroid use is natural hormone inhibition. This occurs when the body is flooded with testosterone. To maintain a hormonal balance in the body, the brain will signal the body to decrease or stop the production of testosterone. This condition occurs in varying degrees and is usually resolved after steroid use ceases.
Severe acne frequently occurs as a short-term side effect. Steroids enlarge skin glands and increase the production of oil in the skin, which results in a growth of bacteria and acne. This skin condition can be especially severe in teenagers and can cause irreversible scarring.
In men, gynecomastia is a condition that is characterized by enlarged breasts. This happens when the body uses the extra testosterone to create estrogen. As a result, female breast tissue begins to form. Usually, surgery is the only way to get rid of the female tissues, and the operation can be costly.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are steroids effects that can cause problems in both men and women. These two conditions occur because steroids cause the body to retain additional water and salt. They also cause a distortion in the levels of good cholesterol in the bloodstream. This leads to an increased chance of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis and kidney failure.
Women can develop a range of male characteristics as a result of steroids effects. It is not unusual for a deep voice to develop in a woman. Excessive body and facial hair is also common. In addition, the breasts may shrink, the menstrual cycle can become irregular and anxiety may set in.
Oral steroids can have a detrimental effect on the liver. They are connected with a type of hepatitis that occurs in people who have a long history of steroid abuse. Cysts that grow in place of liver tissue characterize this disease. These cysts sometimes turn into tumors that can cause abdominal issues.
Adolescents can suffer from steroids effects that include stunted growth. This occurs because the chemicals prompt the brain to signal the body to stop bone growth. As a consequence, it is a good chance that a young person will be shorter than the average person will.
Injured joints and ligaments are also widespread steroids effects. As the muscles get larger and heavier, the joints and ligaments strain to support the added weight. This can lead to a number of issues that involve injuries to the shoulders and knees.
Steroids can have short-term benefits, but those benefits might not be worth the risk. Despite the danger, thousands of people continue to use and abuse steroids.
