Steroids, or anabolic steroids, are synthetically produced drugs that are very similar to male testosterone hormones. Apart from enhancing tissue repair capabilities through protein synthesis, steroids also help in building the muscle mass of the body in males. However, they have a tendency to cause permanent damage. This effect depends on the physical condition of an individual and extent of its use. If used excessively, it may lead to extreme, irreversible and long-lasting health issues.
Natural Hormone Inhibition
The most common side effect of steroid is the inhibition of natural hormones. Your body always tries to maintain a balanced state. It tries to avoid having any hormone in excess. Hence, when there is too much in circulation, it stops producing testosterone. As a result, when you take any steroid, the body shuts down the testosterone production.
The inhibition can be a mild case, where some hormones are still being circulated. There can also be a complete shutdown of testosterone production. As the steroids become inactive, the inhibition stops. According to Anabolic247.com, the effects of steroids on the hormones can be reversed. The hormones can return to normal range once the intake is discontinued.
Liver Damage
A liver is the body’s filtration system. It is processes steroids as well as other chemicals produced by your body. Steroids usually are administered as oral pills, injectable fluids or skin patches. Orally consumed steroids in particular can affect the liver. The levels of enzymes in the liver tend to increase after the consumption of oral steroids. This indicates possible damage to the liver. However, the levels of enzymes become normal after discontinuation of the steroid.
Effects on Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as the “good cholesterol,” decreases after steroids are consumed. HDL is necessary to keep your arteries clog free by transferring extra cholesterol to liver, where it is broken down and passed off as body waste. On the other hand, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the “bad cholesterol,” increases with steroid intake, which causes cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. An increase or decrease in either of the cholesterol levels adversely affects your heart and can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Gynocomastia
The most dreaded side effect of steroid consumption is gynocomastia. This is the development of breast tissues in males. It occurs with an excess amount of estrogen in the body. Excessive intake of steroids forces hormones like testosterone to transform into estrogen. As a result, there is a possibility of development of female-like breast tissue. In extreme cases, these tissues have to be removed through surgery.
Other Side Effects
Excessive use of steroids can lead to acne development and sometimes aggravate existing acne. Steroids can also cause premature baldness, depending on the genetic disposition. Steroids lead to enlargement of ventricles, which can result in numerous cardiovascular problems; it is thus necessary to keep your blood pressure in check while consuming steroids.
Steroids inherently put undue pressure on the kidneys. An excessive intake of steroids places an abnormal strain on them, which causes them to work harder than they should.
Furthermore, excess consumption of steroids can lead to permanent and, in extreme cases, fatal damages.
About this Author
Based in Northern California, Devin Dupre-Neary has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UC Davis. Rather than move towards a master’s or work in a hospital, he chose a different route. In 2009, he wrote professionally, part-time, writing articles on a host of subjects from health issues to gardening.
