Physical Effects of Steroids
Steroids are synthetic hormones related to the naturally occurring hormone testosterone. They have a number of medical and illicit athletic uses. However, patients suffering from certain conditions should not take steroids, as their use can result in a number of detrimental side effects, including death.
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Identification
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Steroids are a class of pharmaceutical hormones related to or derived from the naturally occurring hormone testosterone. At the biochemical level, these synthetic molecules are often indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, and scientists modify them to increase the longevity of their effects. Steroids exert both anabolic (tissue-building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects.
Medical Effects
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According to the pharmaceutical information website drugs.com, steroids exhibit an anabolic effect on muscle tissue, which causes their growth, and also increases bone density and bone growth. Because of this activity, they can be used medically to treat diseases or conditions that cause muscle wasting (catabolism), including multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), and the muscle wasting that accompanies the later stages of AIDS.
Some steroids (such as Winstrol and Boldenone) increase red blood cell production, and doctors have used them to treat anemia, especially those types of anemia caused by kidney failure and leukemia. Patients suffering from hereditary angioedema have also taken Winstrol, as it alleviates the swelling in the face and throat that this condition causes.
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Athletic Effects
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According to the drug profiles on bodybuilding.com, anabolic steroids (such as testosterone) can build muscle and help athletes recover from heavy training periods. Some steroids (such as Winstrol and Anadrol) promote dramatic gains in strength, enhancing the performance of athletes in sports that require tremendous explosiveness, such as weightlifting, track and field, baseball, and football. The steroid Nandrolone (brand name Deca-Durabolin) causes the body to store excess fluid in the joints, which provides additional lubrication that allows athletes to train with heavier weights with less wear and tear.
Additionally, the extra production of red blood cells caused by steroids such as Winstrol and erythropoietin (EPO) elevates the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and increases total blood volume. These effects increase muscular endurance for athletes by providing more oxygen and by enabling the body to more effectively transport the byproducts of exercise (such as lactic acid) away from muscle.
Sexual Function
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Steroids that exhibit strong androgenic effects can increase masculine characteristics, including a deepened voice, excess growth of facial and body hair, and an elevated libido. These changes are necessary during puberty, and adolescent boys suffering delayed-onset puberty can receive steroids to accelerate their development. However, these androgenic effects can also lead to erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and gynecomastia (development of male breasts) in men and can cause disruption of menstrual cycles, masculinization and an enlarged clitoris in women.
Contraindications
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According to drugs.com, patients with diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in the blood) and kidney disease, or those taking blood thinners and anti-coagulants, should consult a doctor before taking steroids.
Pregnant women should not take those steroids classified as Pregnancy Category X, as they cause birth defects in fetuses. Adolescents should not use steroids, as they can cause early closure of bone plates, leading to shortened stature.
Side Effects
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According to drugs.com, a number of steroids damage the liver, alter liver levels, and can cause peliosis hepatitis, a sometimes fatal condition in which blood-filled cysts form in the liver or spleen.
Steroids can alter blood serum cholesterol levels, possibly leading to coronary and circulatory disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, stroke, cardiac arrest or congestive heart failure.
Some steroids cause allergic reactions that include fever, cramps, stomach pain, jaundice (yellow skin), headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
According to psychologist Dr. Jack Darkes, psychological effects of steroid use can include thoughts of suicide, depression, paranoia, moodiness, aggression, irritability and withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing use.
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