Here are the possible side effects and health risks of using steroids
Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone which can be useful for various health conditions but these also have possible side effects and health risks.
In a previous report, the potential health benefits of taking the Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) were enumerated. Athletes are using this substance mainly because it helps their performance in doing different kinds of sports. Aside from this, doctors have been using this for patients with muscle-wasting diseases.
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Behind the benefits one can get from steroids, an article from Healthline also gives a reminder of the possible side effects of this substance. Here is the lost of the health risks.
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Can increase aggressive behavior
- Can affect body image
- May cause gynecomastia
- Can cause liver damage
- Decreased production of testosterone
- Can cause infertility
- May cause male pattern baldness
In addition, AAS can have specific side effects to women such as deepening voice, facial changes and hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased breast size, and infertility.
Aside from these, the risk of getting an infection is high because some steroids are produced in illegal laboratories that do not follow the procedures of commercial labs. The risk is even higher when AAS need to be injected. Furthermore, this substance is still illegal in most places. However, the legal way to obtain this is through a doctor’s prescription.
The mental aspect of one’s being could also be put at risk when taking AAS. Continued use of this substance can lead to mental addiction, according to an article from PubMed Central. This can also lead to muscle dysmorphia, in which users become preoccupied with having a muscular physique.
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