Androgen steroids are produced naturally in the human body, promoting masculine characteristics. This is how body hair appears, the voice deepens and muscles develop. Despite this, the chemical-pharmaceutical industry offers anabolic steroids, to increase; even more; muscle mass and promote physical performance.
In, but, the abuse of these compounds has become popular, leading to the creation of muscular bodies in both men and women. However, it has been observed that they can cause adverse effects; some of them irreversible; that call into question the benefits of its use.
In addition, the continuous and disproportionate handling of these synthetic components can get in the way; short or long term; the proper functioning of the body’s organs. Leading to increase the risk of developing serious diseases; as cardiovascular alterations; than endangering life.
Misuse of steroids produces adverse effects
It has been seen that although the incidence of fatal effects of steroids is relatively low. There are collateral factors; derived from abuse; ranging from skin problems, deterioration of the reproductive system and multisystemic failures, which reduce the quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that, if you insist on using them, you at least know the possible risks.1
In fact, it has been found that, after the use of these products, in various presentations; pill, gel or injection; normal hormone production is disrupted. Which leads in men to reduce the production and decrease the quality of sperm. Likewise, testicular shrinkage and breast enlargement occur, favoring sexual dysfunction.2
In the same way, in women there is a masculinization of the body, reducing the size of the breasts and body fat. In addition, it can increase the villi in different parts of the body; at once; that the hair on the head loses vitality. Outside of that, the voice has a tendency to become thick and also to thicken the genital area.3
Increases the risk of associative diseases
Likewise, it is established that excess consumption of anabolic steroids alters lipoprotein levels, increasing the risk of suffering from atherosclerosis. It also increases the possibility of forming blood clots, causing arrhythmia, heart attacks, neuronal problems and strokes, highly disabling.4
Also, it has been pointed out that the liver is damaged by the use of these substances. Especially, because new diseases such as cholestasis and peliosis have been found, which affect the correct synthesis of bile and produce blood cysts in its walls. This leads to serious consequences, which can range from increased bile acids and tumor formation, to fulminant liver failure. 4
It can be said that the risks that are run with the uncontrolled use of synthetic steroids, become very high for health. Because it carries organic and metabolic changes, which exceed muscle development. However, lovers of bodybuilding find great advantages, since it considerably increases the size of the muscles and allows them to train for longer. At the same time it increases self-esteem and reveals a concept of physical beauty.
References:
- NIDA. Anabolic Steroids – DrugFacts. NIH. [internet] 2018 [ consultado 21 mayo 2021] Retrieved from:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/es/publicaciones/drugfacts/anabolicos-steroid.
- Rodríguez Alfaro JM, Álvarez Castillo A, Salas Boza A. Anabolic steroids: medical repercussions of indiscriminate use for the purpose of improving athletic performance. Rev. medic. synerg. [Internet] 2020 [citado 21 de mayo de 2021]; 5 (7): e531. Available in: https://revistamedicasinergia.com/index.php/rms/article/view/531.
- Avella Rafael Ernesto, Medellín Juan Pablo. Androgenic anabolic steroids, risks and consequences. Rev. UDCA current. divulg. scient. [Internet]. May 2012 [cited 2021 may 21]; 15 (Suppl 1): 47-55. Available from: http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0123-42262012000300007&lng=en.
- Uríos López Ricardo, Sanz-Valero Javier. Adverse effects associated with the use of anabolics in athletes: systematic review. Ars phar [Internet]. 2018Mar [citado 2021 May 22]; 59 (1): 45-55. Available in:
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2340-98942018000100006&lng=es.