The Health Risks Associated With The Use Of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally there is no doubt that its use can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of users.

The androgenic properties of testosterone can affect the body in many ways but often users see these as inconveniences that can be treated by using other drugs. The most common side effects of testosterone supplementation include the following:

1. Testicle shrinkage - the body responds to testosterone overload by reducing its own production of the hormone. This causes the testicles to shrink due to lack of use. When steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again but they could take at least six months to return to normal size.

2. Addiction - despite some users trying to convince themselves otherwise, the use of steroids can result in physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido.

3. Growth of breast tissue - this affects roughly one third of male steroid users. It is caused by the conversion of some excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually disappear when use of steroids ceases but in some cases they are permanent and may require surgical removal.

4. Baldness and skin conditions - excess testosterone can be converted into DHT, a hair unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male pattern baldness and oily skin.

5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result from careless or incompetent injecting.

Some people have died as a result of steroid abuse and even those who adopt a careful, pragmatic approach have to accept that these health risks are unavoidable. My advice is, follow the natural route and use nutritional supplements to boost the anabolic process.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

---

Perfects Abs - Three Ab Routines To Show Your Six Pack

Crazy, ripped, hard abs. That's the key to showing an... Read More

Overcoming Fears And Unproductive Thinking

You might sometimes wonder whether your dedication and sacrifice will... Read More

Exercise The Right Way - The Vertical Chest Press

Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More

Dumbbell Workouts - A Smart Way To Exercise

Dumbbell workouts have been around for many years, especially as... Read More

Exercise The Right Way - The Biceps Curl

Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More

Arm Exercises For Beginning Bodybuilders

Most people new to bodybuilding pay a lot of attention... Read More

An Amazing Technique That Can Make Your Gains Skyrocket While Others Have Reached A Sticking Point!

If you clearly understand and apply the principles involved in... Read More

Know Your Muscle Building Exercises - The Chest

Every bodybuilder and weight trainer will have his or her... Read More

Beach Body Abs

With the return of warm weather in the spring, thoughts... Read More

Monster Triceps

They make up the biggest trio in bodybuilding.No, not Arnold,... Read More

Maximum Muscle Development with Chaos Training

Chaos is the scientific study of orderly disorder. It offers... Read More

Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle (Lose Body Fat) - Product Review

At first glance, this product manual's title (Burn the Fat,... Read More

Anabolic Hormones - A Two-Edged Sword

When I was a young boy, emerging muscles were the... Read More

Whats Your Body Type?

Yep, there are more than ones body types. I'm sure... Read More

Planting And Nurturing Your Contacts And Resources

The success level of your bodybuilding endeavors is highly determined... Read More

Muscle Gain Visualization Tips

Visualization can play an important part in gaining weight and... Read More

Build More Muscle and Lose More Fat by Discovering the Power of Training Variables!

Everyone will inadvertently hit a frustrating plateau in their training... Read More

Why my Lactate Threshold Training is better than any other Strength Training System

It's a very simple training system. Consisting of using your... Read More

Two Major Training Mistakes You Must Dump Immediately!

The number of myths about natural bodybuilding are too numerous... Read More

Bodybuilding Protein

What helps make comedy also builds muscle?This is key to... Read More

How To Avoid Injury From Poor Exercise Performance!

Another key secret is your exercise form. Perfect form is... Read More

Are You Over Training in the Gym?

Every set was taken to positive failure, with three or... Read More

Building Muscle Mass With A Power Cycle

Building muscle mass with a power cycle. Desperate for pounds... Read More

The MYTH of Gaining Muscle Without Fat!

Many of you have expressed concerns about gaining too much... Read More

Know Your Muscles - The Mid-Section

Becoming familiar with the muscles that make up your body... Read More

How to Gain Weight and Build More Muscle!

For many thin guys around the world, gaining weight without... Read More

Machine Exercises That Suit Beginners

The aim for beginners to weight training must be to... Read More

Always Shock Your Muscles For Maximum Growth

Always try to "trick" your muscles into growth. You never... Read More

Glucosamine Review and Potential Benefits

Something interesting happened as my triceps workouts continued in their... Read More

Make Sure To Rest For Muscle Growth

One of the best pieces of exercise advice is to... Read More

Exercise The Right Way - The Leg Press

Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More

A Recovered Treasure: The Pilates Method

Uncovered After 80 Years of Dormancy, Pilates is Far From... Read More

Why You Must Use The Right Dumbbells For Your Workout

A dumbbell exercise program is effective with the right equipment... Read More