Steroids and Their Side Effects

Steroids used in the United States are the anabolic steroids and cortisone, most commonly taken as Prednisone. The anabolic steroids are illegal and American companies no longer produce it. However, they are made in underground labs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are also made legally in Easter Europe and then smuggled into the United States. The anabolic steroids made in Eastern Europe are often of veterinary grade and come into the country legally but then are diverted. Thus many people unknowingly take veterinary grade anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances related to male sex hormones (androgens). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle and were once used to promote growth in children. Athletes, especially body builders have used them, since the 1950s.

Anabolic steroids have many side effects. They cause feminization among women and masculinization among men. Men develop breasts, fatty deposits, and soft muscles. They may also become impotent and produce abnormal sperm. Women have increased facial and body hair, deepening of voice, enlarged clitoris, menstrual problems, increased acne, and male pattern baldness.

Anabolic steroids also cause behavioral and mood changes including depression, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations. Most familiar to most people is the development of extremely aggressive behavior known as "roid rage." This latter is often valued by athletes who believe this gives them a fierce, competitive edge.

If taken by adolescents, anabolic steroids can, paradoxically, prevent normal growth.

Here are some other side effects of anabolic steroids:

*High levels of cholesterol
*Enlargement of heart
*Increased risk of heart attack
*Increased risk of stroke
*High blood pressure
*Headaches
*Kidney problems
*Liver damage
*Stomach aches
*Water/salt retention
*May affect immune system
*May affect thyroid function
*Increased risk of prostate cancer

For anyone considering using anabolic steroids, these side effects should speak for themselves.

The other steroid commonly used in the United States is cortisone. It is used to treat skin allergies, arthritis, asthma, and inflammation in the spine or in joints. Used sparingly it should cause no problems, but heavy or prolonged use does cause side effects.

Topical cortisone has been known to cause Cushing's syndrome. The patient's bones are weakened and break easily. She may also experience severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Other side effects are skin thinning, bruising or tearing of the skin, rash around the mouth, enlarged blood vessels, susceptibility to skin infection, and allergy.

Cortisone, which is injected or taken orally, can cause high blood pressure or osteoporosis.