The Five Major Side-Effects of Anabolic Steroids

Throughout the history of sports, some athletes have chosen to use a group of performance-enhancing drugs known as anabolic steroids to build muscle and improve strength. Anabolic steroids may seem like a quick and effective way to get stronger and build more muscle, but anabolic steroids have some very serious risks associated with their use among athletes.

Hair loss

Although this risk may not seem to be a very serious one, especially for men, the use of anabolic steroids has been associated with premature hair loss and balding. Hair loss can be an especially concerning side effect for women.

Infertility and impotence

Because of the way that anabolic steroids work, the use of anabolic steroids can lead to infertility in both men and women. In women, anabolic steroid use can produce changes in ovulation and menstruation. These changes can disrupt the natural hormonal cycles that women experience and may make it very difficult for a woman to get pregnant. In men, anabolic steroids can reduce sperm count drastically and cause impotence, or an inability to perform sexually, making it difficult to achieve a pregnancy.

Inappropriate sexual characteristics

Anabolic steroid use can lead to the development of inappropriate sexual characteristics. For example, anabolic steroid use in men can lead to the development of breasts, while in women, anabolic steroid use can cause the growth of facial hair.

Unpredictable behavior

Emotions and behavior are often regulated by hormones such as testosterone. When an athlete is using anabolic steroids he or she may have a harder time regulating and controlling their emotions and behavior. Most commonly, anabolic steroid users experience intense bouts of anger known as “roid rage,” that can lead the athlete to become physically violent, even in athletes who are normally calm and non-violent.

Heart attacks

Athletes who use anabolic steroids as performance-enhancing drugs are more likely to suffer from heart disease or have a heart attack. Anabolic steroids can increase the muscle mass of the heart which can create a strain on the body, leading to heart disease and heart attack. Anabolic steroid users, even after discontinuing use, are at greater risk for heart disease and heart attacks.