Using anabolic steroids can give you many side effects. Many of them are reversible, the body goes back to its normal state after completion of the cure, but some are permanent and must be operated on or you have to live with them throughout your life. In the worst case, one can die. There are both physical and psychological side effects, where the mental effects are often underestimated.
It is very important to understand that the physical side effects are nothing compared to the mental effects. There are also many ways to prevent adverse physical outcomes. But the psychological damage is not something you can do to prevent. Most have mental side effects to a greater or lesser degree.
Steroids have some benefits. These are utilized for the treatment of different conditions such as AIDS, cancer, and other serious ailments. They promote natural healing and help your body fight the effects of various diseases.
Here are some effects of Anabolic Steroids. This information was found at http://men.webmd.com/guide/anabolic-steroid-abuse-topic-overview.
In men, anabolic steroids can:
Reduce sperm count.
Shrink the testicles.
Cause you not to be able to father children.
Enlarge the breasts.
In women, anabolic steroids can:
Increase body hair.
Make skin rough.
Decrease breast size.
Enlarge the clitoris.
Deepen the voice.
In both men and women, anabolic steroids can cause:
Bone growth to stop before it is complete in a teen. The teen may not reach his or her full adult height.
A heart attack or stroke, even in a very young person
High blood pressure
Higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
Liver disease and possibly liver cancer The chance of these problems is higher when steroids are taken as a pill.
Oily skin and acne
Male-pattern hair loss
Skin infections that can become severe if the drug was tainted with bacteria
Irritability, rage, uncontrolled high energy (mania), or false beliefs (delusions)