Effects of Steroids on the Body

Steroids are synthesized in the human body and play some of the crucial roles in the overall functioning of the body system. Some of the common steroid examples are testosterone, estradiol and cholesterol. Chemically, they are organic compounds containing 17 carbon atoms arranged in specific pattern of four fused rings. Nevertheless, they are also formulated synthetically with the main objective of therapeutic intervention. When we say side effects of steroids on the body, they refer to the adverse reactions caused by synthetic steroidal formulation.

Negative Effects of Steroids on the Body

Speaking about effects of steroids on the human body, there are basically two types of steroid drugs, viz. corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. The former is prescribed to treat inflammatory responses of the body; while the latter steroid type is developed for treating late puberty or infertility problems in males. In 1954, i.e. after about two decades of releasing anabolic steroids, athletes started using them for increased strength and endurance. It is to be borne in mind that both the corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are accompanied with certain side effects.

Coming to corticosteroid drugs, the general cortisone side effects include appetite changes, sleep disorder, dizziness, headache, increased sweating and nervousness. Likewise, overuse of the most frequently prescribed, immunosuppressive drug, called prednisone causes mild to severe prednisone side effects. Another popularly administered corticosteroid drug is medrol, which is effective to combat inflammatory medical conditions, like arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. However, medrol side effects are manifested with increased dosage intake and extended intake period.

Every now and then, we hear of steroid use by professional athletes and bodybuilders. The positive effects of steroids are promoting muscle growth and reducing muscle wear. But, not many of us know the overall effects of anabolic steroids on the body. If you take a look at effects of dianabol steroid, this testosterone formulation causes acne outbreaks and water retention. Since the anabolic type of steroids influences the growth and development of sex organs, the after effects are different for men and women. Detailed information on harmful effects of steroids on the body are discussed below:

Psychological Effects of Steroids on the Body
Steroids effects are not only restricted to physiological changes, but they are responsible for psychological effects like:

• Lack of mental aggression
• Sudden mood swings
• Sudden outburst of anger
• Hallucination effects for some time
• Major depression signs
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts
• Paranoia and delusions
• Obsession with body image
• Anxiety problems and panic attacks

Physiological Effects of Steroids on the Body - Men
Increased level of testosterone results in development of female attributes in men. Side effects of steroids in men are:

• Male patterned baldness
• Enlargement of breasts
• Enlargement of prostate
• Lowered sperm count
• Decreased motility of sperm
• Atrophy of testicles
• Decreased sexual performance
• Increased libido

Physiological Effects of Steroids on the Body - Women
In women, the same testosterone steroid causes development of male characteristics. Side effects of steroids in women are:

• Recurring acne outbreaks
• Male patterned baldness
• development of Adam's apple
• Development of facial and body hair
• Deepening of voice
• Decreased breast size
• Clitoris enlargement
• Menstrual irregularity
• Infertility problems

According to medical data, several teenager girls and boys who are interested in becoming sports-persons use some type of anabolic steroid. Today, the use of anabolic steroids without a doctor's prescription is illegal. The fact with steroids is that increased dose or extended use of these prescription drugs can lead to severe, irreversible changes in the body. Be on the safer side and analyze the short term and long term effects of steroids on the body, before actually going for a steroid based treatment.