Steroids (sometimes referred to as "roids" or "juice") are the same as, or similar to, certain hormones in the body. The body makes steroids naturally to support such functions as fighting stress and promoting growth and development.
But some people use steroid pills, gels, creams, or injections because they think steroids can improve their sports performance or the way they look.
A number of unhealthy and damaging effects may result from the use of anabolic steroids that can lead to both emotional and physical problems. Studies have shown that abuse of steroids can increase aggressive behavior, cause mood swings, and impair judgment. Other reported effects include male-pattern baldness, acne, and liver damage. Using steroids can increase the risk of heart disease, stimulate the growth of certain cancers, and worsen other medical problems.
Steroids taken orally (by mouth) have been linked to liver disease. Steroids taken by injection (by needle) can increase the risk of infectious diseases such as hepatitis or AIDS. In one study, 25% of steroid users shared needles.
Possible Health Effects of Steroid Use:
- Increased risk of liver, kidney, and prostate cancer
- High blood pressure, which increases the chance of heart attack and stroke
- Abnormal cholesterol levels, which increase the chance of heart attack and blood vessel disease
- Premature stopping of bone development and linear growth (height)
- Damage to the liver, including the formation of blood filled liver cysts that can rupture, causing death
- Acne
- Increased risk of HIV and hepatitis because of risks from sharing needles
- In males: Baldness, breast formation, shrunken testicles, and the temporary inability to father a child
- In females: Decreased breast size, irregular menstrual cycles, and masculine appearance, particularly an enlarged clitoris, facial and body hair, and a deep voice.
Psychological Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Sleep disruption
- Aggressive behavior
- Extreme irritability
- Delusions
- Impaired judgment because of feelings that nothing can hurt you
- Paranoid jealousy
- Euphoria or an exaggerated feeling of well-being
- Depression after stopping steroids
- Lack of sexual drive after stopping steroid use.
