Serious Negative Side Effects are Associated With the Use of Steroids, By: Paul Greer

February 8, 2007

Today's news is filled with stories of famous athletes who are under allegations of using anabolic steroids. The use of steroids has very serious and often permanent physiological and psychological side effects that have been well documented.

Steroid use has been shown to increase aggressiveness and contribute to violent outbursts and temper tantrums. Other negative side effects for males include baldness, upper body acne, enlarged breasts, stunted bone development in adolescents and damage to the liver and enlarged prostate.

Since the testosterone the body needs is being supplied artificially, the function of the testicles is precluded and shrunken testicles and impotency may result. Steroid use also dramatically increases total cholesterol, decreases HDL, increases LDL and increases tryglicerides.

When used by women, steroids lead to masculine traits such as a lower voice, facial hair, cessation of menstrual cycle and the other negative side effects listed for men. Human growth hormones represent another substance that has been used to enhance muscular size and strength and like steroids, they too have many serious side effects. Finally, the rapid and short term gains in muscle size and strength by using steroids are limited compared by the negative side effects that can be permanent.