anabolic steroids and side effects
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. Steroids make muscles bigger and bones stronger. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. Anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken illegally to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. If used in this way, they can cause serious side effects and addiction. Anabolic steroids are manufactured drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. Steroids can also have anabolic effects that include increases in muscle mass, the size of some internal organs, and calcium in the bones. Overall, the process by which steroids work on the body can be very complex. Essentially, steroid hormones work by stimulating certain parts of a muscle cell. Some athletes take a form of steroids — known as anabolic-androgen steroids or just anabolic steroids — to increase their muscle mass and strength. The main anabolic steroid hormone produced by your body is testosterone. Testosterone has two main effects on your body: 1  Anabolic effects promote muscle building. Side effects of anabolic steroids. Regularly taking anabolic steroids causes a range of male features, not just increased muscle mass. It can also lead to potentially dangerous medical conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart attacks. Steroids can have androgenic effects, which include masculinizing effects like deepening of the voice, increased facial hair, and initial enlargement of some male sex glands. Steroids can also have anabolic effects that include increases in muscle mass, the size of some internal organs, and calcium in the bones. Anabolic steroids can cause serious side effects. Some of these effects can be permanent. 1  In men, anabolic steroids can: 2  Reduce sperm count. 3  Shrink the testicles. 4  Cause you not to be able to father children. 5  Enlarge the breasts. 6  In women, anabolic steroids can: 7  Increase body hair. The major side effects of steroid use include an increased risk of cancer, increased risk of heart and liver disease, jaundice, fluid retention, reduction in HDL-C (“good cholesterol”), high blood pressure, changes in blood coagulation, increased risk of atherosclerosis. Other side effects of steroids include: nausea and vomiting, increased risk of ligament and tendon injuries, headaches, aching joints, muscle cramps, diarrhea, sleep problems and severe acne.
1 In men, anabolic steroids can reduce sperm count. 2 Shrink the testicles. 3 Cause you not to be able to father children. 4 Enlarge the breasts. 5 In women, anabolic steroids can increase body hair.