- Anabolic effects
- Side effects in men and women
- Why do these side effects happen?
- 1. Acne
- 2. Stretch marks
- 3. Changes in the joints
- 4. Atrophy of the testicles and decreased sperm
- 5. Changes in sexual desire and impotence
- 6. Breast enlargement in men
- 7. Masculinization of women
- 8. Risk of cardiovascular disease
- 9. Liver problems
- 10. Hair loss
Anabolics are used improperly due to their effect on the muscles, as they stimulate the production of new muscle fibers, promoting the gain of muscle mass. Because of this, anabolic steroids are used improperly mainly by practitioners of physical activity with the aim of increasing muscle mass or for aesthetic purposes.
Because they are used without medical advice and in inadequate amounts, anabolic steroids can cause several side effects, such as arrhythmias, mood changes and loss of liver function, for example. Therefore, the use of these substances is only indicated in situations in which hormone replacement is necessary, and should be used as directed by the doctor.
Find out more about anabolic steroids and when it can be indicated.
Anabolic effects
The main effect of anabolic steroids is the increase in muscle mass, because after being transported through the bloodstream, the substance reaches the muscles and stimulates the production of new muscle fibers, resulting in hypertrophy. However, what happens is that anabolics are used without medical advice and in large quantities, which is not advisable, and may result, in the long term, in side effects that may be irreversible.
Side effects in men and women
| Men | Women | Both sexes |
| Decreased testicle size | Voice change | Increased LDL levels and reduced HDL |
| Gynecomastia (breast enlargement) | Facial Hair | Increased risk of tumors and liver damage |
| Decreased sperm production | Menstrual irregularities | Aggressiveness, hyperactivity and irritability |
| Impotence and infertility | Increased clitoral size | Loss of hair |
| Stretch marks | Decreased breasts | Acne |
| Masculinization | Cardiovascular problems |
In addition, in adolescents, the administration of testosterone can cause premature closure of the epiphyses, leading to growth interruption.
Why do these side effects happen?
1. Acne
The probable cause of acne as an adverse effect is related to the stimulation of the sebaceous glands, by testosterone, to produce more oil. The sites usually affected are the face and the back.
2. Stretch marks
The appearance of stretch marks on the arms and legs is associated with rapid muscle growth, induced by steroids.
3. Changes in the joints
The abusive and indiscriminate use of anabolic steroids can increase the risk of injury to tendons, as the osteoarticular structure cannot keep up with muscle growth, inhibiting the synthesis of collagen in ligaments and tendons.
4. Atrophy of the testicles and decreased sperm
When testosterone levels are too high, the body starts to inhibit the production of this hormone. This phenomenon, called negative feedback or negative feedback , consists of inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins by testosterone that is in excess. Gonadotropins are hormones secreted in the brain, which stimulate the production of sperm in the testicles. Therefore, if they are inhibited by testosterone, they will stop stimulating the testicles to produce sperm, which can cause testicular atrophy and infertility. Understand, in more detail, how male hormonal control works.
5. Changes in sexual desire and impotence
Generally, when you start using anabolic steroids, there is an increase in sexual desire, because testosterone levels increase. However, when the levels of this hormone reach a certain concentration in the blood, our body starts to inhibit its production, a phenomenon called negative feedback or negative feedback , which can also lead to sexual impotence.
6. Breast enlargement in men
Breast augmentation in men, also known as gynecomastia, occurs because excess testosterone and derivatives are converted into estrogens, which are female hormones responsible for enlarging the mammary glands.
7. Masculinization of women
In women, the use of anabolic steroids can cause hypertrophy of the clitoris, increased facial and body hair and change in the timbre of voice, which are male sexual characteristics, induced by testosterone.
8. Risk of cardiovascular disease
Anabolic steroids lead to a decrease in good cholesterol (HDL) and an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL), blood pressure and left ventricle, which are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. In addition, an increase in the left ventricle of the heart has been associated with ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death.
9. Liver problems
The misuse of testosterone injections, in addition to being toxic to the liver and many of the substances used are resistant to metabolism, also contributes to the increase in the levels of some enzymes that are related to liver toxicity, which can cause damage, or even tumors.
10. Hair loss
Hormonal hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia or baldness, occurs due to the action of dihydrotestosterone, which is a derivative of testosterone, in hair follicles. In people with genetic predisposition, this hormone binds to the receptors present on the scalp, leading to thinning and thinning of the hair. Thus, the use of testosterone and derivatives can aggravate and accelerate this process, by increasing the amount of dihydrotestosterone that binds to the follicles.
The best way to avoid all these side effects is to avoid anabolic steroids and adopt a healthy diet with supplementation appropriate to the type of training. Check out the following video for some tips on what to eat to gain muscle mass:
