Abusing anabolic steroids can affect one's overall health and well-being in dramatic ways.
Some possible health effects include:
- Increased risk of liver, kidney, and prostate cancer, as documented in laboratory animals
- 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 include:
- 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 steroids
