What are the Side Effects of Steroids?

When people think of steroid abuse in baseball, they often think of how steroids have affected the game. But what have steroids done to the people who have abused and used them. What risks did they take in order to become bigger and more powerful. Some of the effects include:

ACNE, AGRESSION, ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK, BIRTH DEFECTS, BLOOD CLOTTING, DEPRESSION, GYNECOMASTIA, HAIR LOSS, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, IMMUNE SYSTEM, KIDNEY ISSUES, TESTICULAR ATROPHY, ARE JUST SOME OF THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF STEROID USE. WHY WOULD AN ATHLETE RISK HIS HEALTH? IS WINNING THIS IMPORTANT?

I don’t know anyone who is a fan of acne. However, rampant acne is one of the more obvious side effects of steroid use. Another obvious side effect is aggression. It is also one of the scarier effects of steroid use. Men are usually more aggressive than women because of testosterone differences. Some body builders, however, like this side effect because they can lift heavier and lifting becomes more explosive. There have been cases however, where this explosive behavior has damaged their family lives, sometimes resulting in death.

Anaphylatic shock is an allergic reaction to the presence of a foreign protein in the body. People don’t always know what they are allergic to and how their body will respond to medication, chemicals, or even food. Steroids are definitely a foreign substance in the body. No one knows how their bodies will react to steroids.

Anabolic steroids can have a drastic effect on the development of a fetus. Adrenal Genital Syndrome is when a female fetus can develop male reproductive organs. So people who use steroids are not only risking their own health but the health of their own children.

When an athlete takes steroids, it may take longer for blood clots to form. That means simple things like nosebleeds or small cuts may take longer to stop bleeding. This is really important if an athlete needs surgery. What happens if an athlete taking steroids is in a car accident or needs to have surgery for any number of unforeseeable reasons?

Steroid use will have an impact on hormone levels. This could change a person’s mood. Depression occurs when a person’s hormone levels are off balance. Depression can lead to many other problems. It is not an easy thing to overcome and effects not only the athlete but everyone in his life.

Gynecomastia is the medical term for developing female breast tissue in the male body. This happens when a male has high levels of estrogen, which happens with the use of Dianabol. If left unchecked this can lead to obvious tissue growth and a very feminine appearance. Man boobs, I don’t think so!

The use of steroids can to premature hair loss. The use of steroids can impact the growth of scalp hair. This can lead to androgenetic alopecia.

When men use steroids, the body will stop manufacturing its own testosterone. The brain detects a high level of sex steroids and shuts down natural production. This can cause testicles to shrink. Need I say more.

These are just some of the side effects of steroid use. As an athlete I would rather NOT use steroids to enhance performance given the risks to my health. It is sad to think that other athletes do not consider these risks.