A-Z List | Accessible Info | Careers | Contact Us

 
Images from Peel Region
 
revised July 06, 2011

Arrow BulletWhat Steroids Do To a Body

To try to achieve the muscular look, some people use anabolic steroids, a synthetic version of the male hormone, testosterone. Anabolic steroids are drugs with many dangerous side effects.


Psychological Side Effects of Steroids
  • edginess, impatience, paranoid feelings
  • severe mood swings including depression
  • obsession with body image, having to work out, and food
  • angry and violent outbursts known as "roid rage"
back to top

General Physical Side Effects of Steroids
  • liver damage
  • kidney damage
  • increased blood pressure and cholesterol (risk for heart disease)
  • depressed immune system (risk for infections)
  • headache and stomach ache
  • nosebleeds
  • severe facial and body acne
  • decreased joint flexibility
back to top

Additional Physical Side Effects of Steroids

 In men:
  • breast enlargement
  • shrunken testicles
  • lowered sperm count
  • increased sex drive
  • decreased sexual performance - difficulty getting and maintaining erections

In women:

  • growth of facial and body hair
  • male pattern balding
  • development of Adam's apple
  • deepening of voice
  • enlargement of clitoris
  • abnormal or absent menstrual period
  • infertility

In teens:

  • stunted growth due to early closure of the growth centres in long bones
  • severe acne

 
back to top

Is It Worth the Risk? Get All the Facts...
  • The side effects of steroids can be dangerous and permanent.
  • Your genetic makeup has a major role to play in your body shape and size. That's a fact even steroids can't change.
  • Anabolic steroids for the purpose of bodybuilding can only be obtained on the black market. Much of this supply is impure or unclean. Vials and needles are often shared.
  • Injection of steroids means increased risk of AIDS, and other diseases such as hepatitis.
back to top

More Information on Body Image and Steroid Use

 Working out to develop a strong, and healthy body is a
good thing... just remember there are more lasting ways to feel good about yourself and earn respect than muscles alone.
back to top

Related Links

back to top

Health Topics A-Z | Information for Professionals | Information for Workplaces
| School Corner | Employment/Volunteer Opportunities | Clinics, Classes and Events | Resources & Factsheets | Translated Information | About Public Health | Contact Us | Public Health Home Page

Revised: July 06, 2011

www.peelregion.ca

Home | Contact Us | Search | A-Z Topic List
Privacy & Terms of Use | Service Commitment

Smaller Text Larger Text