Effects of steroids on humans

The short-term adverse physical effects of anabolic steroid abuse are fairly well known. It has long been proven that the abuse of anabolic steroids may result in harmful side effects as well as serious injury and, in extreme cases, even death. The most important thing is that the abuser in most cases is unaware of these dangers. It is important to recognize this problem and take preventive measures to protect athletes and other users.

Several research studies have proven that the two major effects of (the unregulated use of) testosterone are:

An androgenic effect
The term “androgenic” refers to the physical changes experienced by a male during puberty. Androgenic effects would be similarly experienced in a female. This property is responsible for the majority of the side effects of steroid use.

An anabolic effect
The term “anabolic” refers to promoting of anabolism, the actual building of tissues, mainly muscle, accomplished by the promotion of protein synthesis.

Steroids are also purported to:

• increase lean body mass,
• increase strength
• increase aggressiveness
• they are also believed to reduce recovery time between workouts,
• increase their endurance, muscle size, and strength,
• reduce body fat 

Short-Term Effects

The major effects of anabolic steroid use include

• liver tumors
• jaundice
• fluid retention
• high blood pressure

For men, additional side effects include:      

• shrinking of the testicles
• reduced sperm count  
• development of breasts       
• baldness      
• infertility

For women, additional side effects include:     

• growth of facial hair    
• deepened voice     
• changes in or cessation of menstrual cycles

For adolescents, additional side effects include:  

• accelerated puberty changes    
• growth halted prematurely
• paranoid jealousy
• extreme irritability
• impaired judgment