In The Know Zone

Health Damage from Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are far more damaging to the health than they are helpful to athletic performance. Most of the damage is reversible if the abuser stops taking the drugs, but some damage is permanent or fatal.

Short-term Physical Effects

  • Bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Acne and rashes
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Water retention and bloating
  • Bone pain and muscle cramps

Long-term Physical Effects

Secondary Sexual Characteristics/Reproductive System Damage

  • Body hair and beard in women
  • Deep voice and coarse skin in women
  • Feminine breasts in men
  • Male-pattern baldness in both sexes
  • Interrupted menstruation
  • Sterility in both sexes
  • Sexual dysfunction in both sexes
  • Shrunken testicles
  • Enlarged clitoris
  • Fetal damage if used in pregnancy

Neurological System Damage

  • Brain damage

Cardiovascular Damage

  • Blood clotting difficulties
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart palpitations
  • Heart attacks

Liver Damage

  • Blood-filled capsules that can burst
  • Tumors
  • Hepatitis
  • Cancer

Other Damage

  • Kidney disease
  • Easy bruising
  • "Moon face" – extra fat around the face
  • Fat pad at back of neck/across tops of shoulder blades
  • Enlargement of the facial bones
  • Stunted height
  • Eye infections and diseases

Psychological Damage from Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Some of the most destructive effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids are on users’ minds.

If a particular user is already prone to mental illness, steroids can trigger the illness, whether it’s depression or psychosis.

Steroid abusers are often intensely angry and aggressive. The nickname for steroid-related aggression is "Roid rage," and it is very real.

The list of negative effects of anabolic steroids on the mind includes:

  • Psychological addiction to steroids
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Forgetfulness
  • Lack of interest or energy for everyday life
  • Aggressive, violent behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Manic (abnormally excited) episodes
  • Excessive sexual arousal

In The Know: Substance Abuse Pamphlet/ DVD Package
":In the Know: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, Nothing Comes for Nothing": Pamphlet
In The Know: Substance Abuse DVD Package