What Are The Side Effects Of Steroids ?

What Are Steroids?

Steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of hormones your body naturally produces, which are often made in labs.

There are two main kinds: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, each serving different purposes.

Both types of steroids have specific uses and can have significant effects on the body, both beneficial and potentially harmful.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, the male hormone that helps build muscle and bone.

Medically, they help people with conditions like delayed puberty or muscle loss due to illness. But, some athletes and bodybuilders misuse them to quickly bulk up and improve performance, which can be illegal and dangerous.

They can help increase muscle mass and strength, enhance athletic performance, and speed up recovery from intense workouts.

How They Work

Steroids work by entering cells and changing how they function. Corticosteroids can turn off the body’s response that causes inflammation, while anabolic steroids help muscle cells produce more protein, which ultimately leads to more muscle gains.

What Are The Main Steroid Side Effects?

When considering taking steroids, you have to take into consideration the side effects it can have on your body. While not all users experience side effects, it is still a possibility.

Steroid side effects are dependent on the type, how they are used and how the user’s body reacts to it.

Let’s get into the potential side effects for both corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Corticosteroids

These are often used to reduce inflammation and treat various medical conditions. Firstly, we’ll get into some short-term side effects of taking corticosteroids.

• Increased appetite and weight gain: Corticosteroids can stimulate appetite, leading to overeating. This can result in noticeable weight gain, often around the face, abdomen, and other areas.
• Heighten blood sugar levels: Steroids can raise blood sugar levels, which may lead to increased risk of developing diabetes or worsening blood sugar control in individuals with existing diabetes.
• Mood changes: Users might experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even euphoria. These emotional changes can affect personal relationships and overall mental wellbeing.
• Insomnia: Steroids can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can contribute to fatigue and decreased daytime function.
• Fluid retention: These steroids can cause the body to hold onto extra fluid, leading to swelling (edema), especially in the legs, feet, or face. This can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

While steroids can offer impressive short-term benefits, their long-term use comes with serious side effects that can majorly impact your health.

Now, before making a decision on whether you’re going to take corticosteroids, you need to understand potential risks.

These are some long-term effects of taking these kinds of steroids for an extended period…

• Weaker bones (osteoporosis): Long-term use of corticosteroids can decrease bone density, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. This is especially concerning for older adults and people with existing bone conditions.
• Muscle weakness: Prolonged use can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, reducing strength and physical endurance. This can impact daily activities and overall mobility.
• Thinning skin: The skin may become thinner and more fragile, leading to easy bruising, stretch marks, and slower wound healing. This can also increase the risk of skin infections.
• Increased risk of infections: Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This can lead to frequent illnesses and longer recovery times.
• Cataracts or Glaucoma: Long-term use can affect eye health, increasing the risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), which can lead to vision problems if not managed properly.
• Adrenal insufficiency: Corticosteroid drugs can reduce the body’s ability to produce natural hormones from the adrenal glands. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure, particularly if the steroid use is suddenly stopped.

While anabolic steroids can boost muscle growth and enhance performance, they also come with a range of short-term side effects that can affect your body and mood.

Here’s what you need to know about the immediate impacts of taking them…

• Acne and oily skin: Increased oil production in the skin can lead to acne outbreaks, particularly on the back, shoulders, and face. Oily skin can also exacerbate existing skin conditions.
• Fluid retention: Similar to corticosteroids, anabolic steroids can cause swelling in various parts of the body, leading to a bloated appearance and discomfort.
• Mood swings and aggression: Users may experience extreme mood swings, including increased aggression, irritability, and even violent behavior. This is sometimes referred to as “roid rage.”

Using anabolic steroids can quickly propel your muscle gains, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential long-term effects.

If the steroid use involves high doses or is prolonged, it can have serious and lasting impacts on your health, far beyond the initial benefits.

• Liver damage: Anabolic steroids, especially oral forms, can be toxic to the liver. This can lead to liver damage, liver tumors, or hepatitis. Symptoms might include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pain, and dark urine.
• Heart issues: Long-term use can cause cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Steroids can affect the heart’s structure and function, leading to potential heart disease.
• Hormonal imbalances…

• Mental health problems: Prolonged use can result in psychiatric issues like mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Some individuals may also experience psychosis or severe changes in personality.