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STEROID INFORMATION

STEROIDS AND THE LAW

STEROID FACTS

STEROID STREET NAMES

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STEROID FACTS

How are Steroids Used?

Physicians rarely prescribe steroids today, and the few remaining medical uses for them are generally limited to treatment of certain kinds of anemia, severe burns, and some types of breast cancer.

What are the Side Effects?

There are over 70 known side effects ranging from liver cancer to acne problems.  One may be affected psychologically just as severally as physically.   The parts of the body that are most seriously affected by steroids are the liver and the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. In males, steroids can cause shrinkage of the testicles, sterility, and impotence. In females,  masculine traits can develop along with menstrual irregularities, breast reduction, and sterility. Psychological effects in both sexes include aggressive behavior known as "`roid rage" and depression. Some side effects may not show up for years, such as heart attacks and strokes.  Other side effects may go unnoticed, like never reaching expected height. The following set of information comes from the site http://www.steroidsinfo.com/effects.html.

Commonly Reported Positive Effects:

  • Increased leanness / muscle definition
  • Increased muscle mass / weight
  • Increased strength
  • Increased effectiveness of training
  • Improved recovery rate
  • Euphoria
  • Increased aggressiveness
  • Increased sex drive

Commonly Reported Negative Effects:

Both Sexes:

  • Increased risk of mood disturbances including mania and depression
  • Increased risk of psychosis
  • Increased risk of aggressive acts which may injure self or others
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk of liver disease and cancer
  • Increased risk of kidney disease and cancer
  • Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B & C from contaminated needles
  • Acne
  • Bad breath
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Baldness
  • Water retention
  • Muscle cramps
  • Aching joints
  • Increased risk of muscle tears
  • Increased risk of tendon injuries
  • Increased risk of nose bleads
  • Insomnia
  • Decrease in immune system effectiveness
  • Infertility

Men:

  • Increased risk of prostate enlargement and cancer
  • Decreased testicular size
  • Gynecomastia (growth of breasts)

Women:

  • Increased risk of cervical and endometrial cancer
  • Increased risk of osteoporosis
  • Irreversible enlargement of the clitoris
  • Irreversible hoarsening and deepening of the voice
  • Irreversible increase in facial and body hair
  • Decreased breast size
  • Amenorrhea
  • Uterine atrophy

Children:

  • Short Stature
  • Premature ephiphyseal closure

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