Before we begin: Thinking about using anabolic steroids to build muscles or improve your athletic performance? Think again. Misusing them is not legal or safe. It can cause long-term health problems.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about anabolic steroids. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are synthetic (man-made) versions of testosterone. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It is needed to develop and maintain male sex characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. Women do have some testosterone in their bodies, but in much smaller amounts.
What are anabolic steroids used for? Health care providers use anabolic steroids to treat some hormone problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss from some diseases. But some people misuse anabolic steroids by taking them in a way that’s different than their provider prescribed.
Why do people misuse anabolic steroids? Some bodybuilders and athletes use anabolic steroids to build muscles and improve athletic performance. They may take steroids by swallowing tablets or capsules, inject them into muscles, or apply them to the skin as a gel or cream. These doses may be 10 to 100 times higher than doses used to treat medical conditions. Using them this way, without a prescription from a provider, is not legal or safe.
What are the health effects of misusing anabolic steroids? Misuse of anabolic steroids, especially over a long period of time, has been linked with many health problems, including:
Acne
Stunted growth in teens
High blood pressure
Changes in cholesterol
Heart problems, including heart attack
Liver disease, including cancer
Kidney damage
Mood changes such as irritability and aggressive behavior
In men, it can also cause:
Baldness
Breast growth
Low sperm count/infertility
Shrinking of the testicles
Testicular cancer
In women, it can also cause:
Changes in your menstrual cycle (period)
Growth of body and facial hair
Male-pattern baldness
Voice deepening
Decreased breast size
Are anabolic steroids addictive? Even though they don’t cause a high, anabolic steroids can lead to addiction. You can have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using them, including:
Fatigue
Restlessness
Loss of appetite
Sleep problems
Decreased sex drive
Steroid cravings
Depression, which can sometimes be serious and even lead to suicide attempts
Behavioral therapy and medicines can be helpful in treating anabolic steroid addiction
NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Also known as: Anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Related topics: Doping, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Steroids, Anabolic.
Categories: Substance Use and Disorders.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Key Takeaways
Understanding anabolic steroids is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.