Hey guys, i found good article.
See it...
Steroids Side Effects
While anabolicsteroids are generally regarded as therapeutic drugs with high safety, their use can also be associated with a number of adverse cosmetic, physical, and psychological effects. Many of these steroids side effects are often apparent during therapeutic-use conditions, although their incidence tends to increase profoundly as the dosages reach supratherapeutic ranges. Virtually everyone that abuses anabolic steroids for physique-or performance-enhancing purposes notices some form of adverse effects from their use. In addition to the side effects that anabolic steroids can have on various internal systems, there are others which may not be immediately apparent to the user. The following is a summary of the biological systems and reactions effected by anabolic steroids use.
Cardiovascular System
The use of anabolic/androgenic steroids in supratherapeutic (and often therapeutic) doses can have a number of adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This may be noticed in several areas including unfavorable alterations in serum cholesterol, a thickening of ventricular walls, increased blood pressure, and changes in vascular reactivity. In an acute sense these drugs are admittedly very safe. The risk of an otherwise healthy person suffering a heart attack from an isolated steroid cycle is extremely remote. The risk of stroke is also extremely low. When these drugs are abused for long periods, however, their adverse effects on the cardiovascular system are given time to accumulate. An increased chance of early death due to heart attack or stroke is, likewise, a valid risk with long-term steroid abuse. In order to better understand this risk, we must look specifically at how anabolic/androgenic steroids affect the cardiovascular system in several key ways.
Immune System
The human immune system is responsive to sex hormones. This results in functional differences in immunity between the sexes. Women tend to have a more active immune system compared to men, and are slightly more resistant to bacterial infection and other types of infection. The female immune system is also more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, which may be linked to its higher level of activity. The day-to-day activity of the immune system can also fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, further demonstrating thestrong influence of sex steroids. Thes lightly weaker resistance to infection of men appears to be caused by testosterone, which is an immunosuppressive hormone. Androgens may modulate the immune system directly, through their conversion to estrogens, or by modifying glucocorticoid activity. Anabolic steroids have displayed both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive actions in animal models. So given that these drugs can influence the immune system through a variety of pathways, and anabolic steroids are a fairly diverse class of drugs, their effects on the immune system may vary depending on the particular conditions. When used therapeutically, changes in immune system functioning are usually minor, and have not amounted to strong immunostimulation or immunosuppression. Anabolic steroids have also been used safely in many immunocompromised patients, such as those with muscle wasting associated with HIV infection, without any significant change in immune system or viral markers.
The use of anabolic steroids in supratherapeutic doses may slightly impair immune system functioning, reducing an individual's resistance to certain types of infection. In one study, steroid abusers were shown to have lower serum levels of IgG, IgM, and IgA immunoglobulins (antibodies) compared to bodybuilding controls, consistent with immunosuppression. Although this may logically increase the chance of contracting certain types of illness, a significant increase in the history of illness could not be established in these same steroid abusers. Given the very random nature of illness, however, it may be difficult to establish such a link without extensive study. The effect of hormone manipulation on immunity should also be temporary, and return to a normal state once pre-treated hormonal chemistry is restored. Individuals remain warned of the potential for minor immunosuppression and increased chance of illness with steroid abuse.
Kidneys (Renal System)
Anabolic steroids are generally well tolerated by the renal system. These drugs are largely excreted from the body through the kidneys, although there is no inherent strong toxicity in this process. In fact, there are many instances in which these drugs may be used as supportive treatment in patients with compromised kidney function. For example, anabolic steroids have been prescribed to increase the production of red blood cells in patients with anemia related to various forms of kidney disease. They have even been used as general anabolic (lean body mass) support, and to treat hypogonadism, in patients undergoing dialysis. While care must be taken with such patients, therapy may often be conducted very safely. In otherwise healthy: individuals, clinical renal toxicity caused by the short-term administration of anabolic/androgenic steroids is unlikely.
There have been isolated reports of severe kidney damage in steroid abusers. For example, a handful of individuals have developed Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma), which is a rare form of kidney cancer usually found in children. Its appearance in adult steroid users is suspect, but not conclusive evidence that drugs were the actual cause. There have also been isolated reports of renal cell carcinoma in steroid abusers. Since this is the most common form of kidney cancer however, conclusive links are again difficult to draw. There have additionally been case reports of combined liver and renal failure with steroid abuse. In these case kidney failure may have been subsequent to steroid induced liver toxicity, as cholestasis (bile duct obstruction is known to cause acute tubular necrosis and renal failure.
Kidney health should be a concern for long-term steroids using bodybuilders and power athletes. To begin with excessive resistance training can produce some strain of the renal system. A condition called rhabdomyolysis is caused by the extreme damage of muscle tissue, which releases myoglobin and a number of nephrotoxi1 compounds into the blood. In high levels this can damage kidney tissue and even cause renal failure. There have been rare case reports of severe clinical rhabdomyolysis in bodybuilders, both with and without mentionofsteroid abuse. Steroid use may also cause hypertension, which can lead to kidney damage. While anabolic steroids are generally not regarded as direct kidney toxic drugs, they may be used to support a lifestyle and long-term metabolic state characterized by extreme training, heightened daily muscle protein turnover, and elevated blood pressure. Over time this may compromise kidney health. Regular monitoring of kidney function is recommended.
Liver (Hepatic System)
Many oral anabolic steroids (or injectable forms of oral steroids) are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic). These compounds can cause serious and sometimes lifethreatening damage when abused, and occasionally even under therapeutic conditions. Those agents commonly associated with clinical hepatotoxicity include (but are not limited to) fluoxymesterone, methandrostenolone, methylandrostenediol, methyltestosterone, norethandrolone, oxymetholone, and stanozolol. Liver strain, as assessed by elevated liver enzymes, has also been reported with non-alkylated esterified injectable steroids including nandrolone decanoate and testosterone enanthate in extremely rare instances. These steroids have never been associated with serious hepatic damage, however, and are not regarded as liver toxic.
The exact mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids remains unknown, but it is speculated to be due in large part to the natural activity of androgens in the liver. This liver possesses a high concentration of androgen receptors, and is responsive to these hormones. With physiological androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, however, only a moderate level of activity is permitted in this organ. This is because the liver is normally very efficient at metabolizing steroids, which mutes their local activity. But with the liver unable to easily deactivate alkylated steroids, however, a far greater level of hepatic androgenic activity is allowed. The concentration of steroid in the liver is also very high after oral administration, as the digestive tract delivers the drug directly to this organ before it can reach circulation. The fact that the most potent steroid ever given to humans on a mg-for-mg basis is also the most liver toxic, also supports a close association between androgenic potency and hepatotoxicity. Early liver toxicity is usually visible in blood test results for hepatic function before physical symptoms or dysfunction develop.
The most common form of actual liver dysfunction caused by the administration of oral anabolic/androgenic steroids is cholestasis. This describes a condition where the flow of bile becomes decreased, usually because of obstruction of the small bile ducts in the liver (intrahepatic). This causes bile salts and bilirubin to accumulate in the liver and blood instead of being properly excreted thorough the d'igestive tract. Inflammation (hepatitis) may also be present. Symptoms of cholestasis may include anorexia, malaise, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, or pruritus (itching). The stool may also change to a clay color (alcoholic stool) due to the reduced excretion of bile, and the urine may become amber. Cholestatic jaundice may develop, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).
Acne
Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is made of fats and the remnants of dead fat-producing cells. Excess stimulation, as with steroid abuse, may also cause a significant increase in the size ofthe sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are found at the base of the hair follicles in all hair-containing areas of the skin. If the androgen level becomes too high and the sebaceous glands become overactive, the hair follicles may begin to clog with sebum and dead skin cells, resulting in acne.
Acne vulgaris (common acne) is frequent in steroid users, especially when the drugs are taken in supratherapeutic levels. This often includes acne lesions on the face, back, shoulders, and/or chest.
A mild incidence of acne vulgaris is usually addressed with topical over-the-counter acne medications and a rigorous skin cleaning routine that removes excess oil and dirt. More serious acne may develop in sensitive individuals, including acne conglobata (severe acne with connected nodules under the skin) or acne fulminans (highly destructive inflammatory acne). Such incidences may require medical intervention, which usually involves treatment with isotretinoin. Topical anti-androgen drugs are also under investigation for the treatment of severe acne, and have shown a great deal of promise. Acne is typically resolved with the cessation steroid use, although the overproduction of sebum may persist until the sebaceous glands have had time to atrophy back to original size. Serious forms of acne may produce lasting scars.
Hair Loss
Anabolic steroids may contribute to a form of hair loss on the scalp known as androgenetic alopecin. This disorder is characterized by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, and a shortening of th anagen phase of hair growth, under androgen influence The hair produced by affected follicles will progressively thin, covering the scalp less and less effectively. In men the baldness produced is usually identified most simply at male pattern. This will initially include a receding hairline (fronto-temporal thinning) and thinning on the crowrl areas where androgen receptor concentrations are high. With male AGA, hair loss is most pronounced on the temples and crown.
There has been no study on the role of genetics in baldness linked to steroid abuse. Anecdotally, individuals with existing visible androgenetic alopecia appear to be those most susceptible to the effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids on the scalp. For many of these people, the loss of hair appears significantly accelerated when taking these drugs. On the other hand, this side effect is generally a much less significant issue with individuals that have not noticed thinning beforehand. Many go on to abuse steroids for years without any visible effect at all, making it clear that there is more to this disorder than local androgen levels. It is well understood that androgens play a role in the progression of androgenetic alopecia for those genetically prone. Steroids use can, therefore, coincide with the first noticeable onset of this condition. It is unknown, however, if anabolic/androgenic steroid abuse can cause baldness in an individual that does not carry any genetic susceptibility.
Stunted Growth
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may inhibit linear growth when administered before physical maturity. These hormones actually can have a dichotomous influence on linear height. On one hand, their anabolic effects may increase the retention of calcium in the bones, facilitating linear growth. A number of anabolic steroid programs have been successful in helping children with short stature achieve a faster rate of growth. At the same time, however, anabolic/androgenic steroid use may cause premature closure of the growth plates, which inhibits further linear growth. There have been a number of cases of noticeably stunted growth (short stature) in juvenile athletes that have taken these drugs. The specific outcome of steroid therapy depends on the type and dose of drug administered, the age in which it is administered, the length it is taken, and the responsiveness of the patient.
While androgens, estrogens, and glucocorticoids all inherently participate in bone maturity, estrogen is regarded as the primary inhibitor of linear growth in both men and women.
Water and Salt Retention
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may increase the amount of water and sodium stored in the body. This may include increases in both the intracellular and extracellular water compartments. Intracellular fluid refers to water that has been drawn inside the cells. While this does not increase the protein content of the muscles, it does expand the muscle cell, and is often calculated and viewed as a part of total fat free body mass. Extracellular water is stored in the circulatory system, as well as in various body tissues, in the spaces between cells (interstitial). Increases in interstitial fluid can be noticeable and troubling cosmetically. In strong cases this can bring about a very puffy appearance to the body (peripheral or localized edema), with bloating of the hands, arms, body, and face. This may reduce the visibility of muscle features throughout the physique. Excess fluid retention can also be associated with elevated blood pressure/os which can increase cardiovascular and: renal strain. Estrogen is a regulator of fluid retention in both men and women.
Dysphonia (Vocal Changes)
Although far less common than dysphonia in women, anabolic/androgenic steroids may alter vocal physiology in men. This may include a deepening of the voice. Dysphonia is most common when anabolic/androgenic steroids are administered during adolescence, as the deeper adult voice has not yet been established under the influence of androgens. The administration of anabolic/androgenic steroids before maturity can, likewise, cause a progressive lowering of the vocal pitch, and may trigger pubescent vocal changes in younger patients. Androgens have much less (often minimal) effect on vocal physiology in adulthood. Although a slight lowering of the voice may be noticed with androgen use in some cases, reports of clinically significant changes in the vocal quality of adult men are, likewise, very rare.There has also been an isolated report of stridor (vibrating noise when breathing) and vocal hoarseness in relation to anabolic/androgenic steroid abuse. This instance also involved smoking, however, making the direct influence of steroids more difficult to discern. In general, vocal physiology is well established by adulthood. Aside from very minor reductions in pitch, anabolic/androgenic steroids are not expected to have strong audible effects on the voice.
Gynecomastia
Anabolic steroids with significant estrogenic or progestational activity may cause gynecomastia (female breast development in males). This disorder is specifically characterized by the growth of excess glandular tissue in men, due to an imbalance of male and female sex hormones in the breast. Estrogen is the primary supporter of mammary gland growth, and acts upon receptors in the breast to promote ductal epithelial hyperplasia, ductal elongation/branching, and fibroblast proliferation. Androgens, on the other hand, inhibit glandular tissue growth. High serum androgen levels and low estrogen usually prevent this tissue development in men, but it is possible in both sexes given the right hormonal environment. Gynecomastia is regarded as an unsightly side effect of anabolic/androgenic abuse by most users. In extreme cases the breast may take on a very female looking appearance, which is difficult to hide even with loose clothing.
Although gynecomastia is a very common side effect of steroid abuse, given its clear association with certain drugs or practices, it is also an easily avoidable one. Careful steroid selection and reasonable dosing are usually regarded as the most basic and reliable methods for preventing its onset. Many steroid users also frequently take some form of estrogen maintenance medication, which may effectively counter the effects of elevated estrogenicity. Common options include the anti-estrogen tamoxifen citrate, or an aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole. The use of a post-cycle hormone recovery program at the conclusion of steroid administration (which usually includes several weeks of anti-estrogen use) is also commonly advised, as gynecomastia is sometimes reported in the post-cycle hormone imbalance phase when steroids are not actually being taken.
Reply With Quote
thanx, i guess
Cigarettes are worse... If you know all, you cant read mate...
