Well, it feels just fantastic to get a chiseled body and peak physical performance when it comes to bodybuilding. But some athletes get tempted with the use of anabolic steroids, promising rapid muscle growth, enhancing strength, and increasing endurance. Well, though short-term results may seem tempting, the long-term risks and side effects associated with steroid use weigh much more than the benefits.
What are steroids?
They are available in synthetic forms of testosterone, the male sex hormone that promotes muscles and secondary sexual characteristics’ growth. In bodybuilding, such steroids are used to boost muscle mass and strength gain faster. While steroids give fast results, they come with all dangerous side effects that touch on both physical and mental health aspects.
The Physical Risks of Steroid Use
Heart Damage Steroids can cause severe cardiovascular damage. Continued use of anabolic steroids also allows for the possibility of having heart attacks and strokes due to increases in bad cholesterol, LDL, and decreases in good cholesterol, HDL. Furthermore, it puts a little more strain on the heart than normal and causes enlargements in the left ventricle of the heart, thereby raising the probability of heart failure.
Liver Damage Steroids possess hepatotoxicity, which is a factor for liver disease or even liver cancer. Most oral anabolic steroids are put through the liver, which puts a strain on this vital organ, and can lead to chronic diseases such as jaundice, liver tumors, and cirrhosis after many years.
Hormonal Disorder Steroids disrupt the body’s natural hormonal production. This may include in males: testicular shrinking, infertility, hair loss, and the growth of breast tissue known as gynecomastia. In females, it might result in a deeper voice, increased body hair, and cessation of menstrual cycles. For both genders, long periods of usage can result in permanent closure of the natural testosterone production.
Damage to the Kidneys Steroids can stress the kidneys causing permanent damage to the kidneys or failure of the kidneys completely. Increased waste products as a result of rapid muscle growth can put undue pressure on the kidneys leading to chronic diseases associated with the kidney.
Weak Immune System Steroids can break down the immunity; in this case, the person becomes open to infections, which may become deadly for bodybuilders who exercise their bodies into vigorous physical exertion.
Mental and Behavioral Impact
Steroid use affects the body, but it also affects a person’s psychological well-being in a very grave manner.
‘ Roid Rage’: Steroids have been known to be associated with aggressive behavior and mood swings. It often carries the name “roid rage.” The hormones in steroids cause imbalance, and users become hot-tempered, irritable, angry, and sometimes violent.
Depression and Anxiety: Many suffer from extreme mood swings, depression, and anxiety attacks after giving up steroid use. This is because the body cannot produce hormones in normal amounts after using steroids.
Impact on Long-Term Health
Although steroids bring short-term muscle gains, they could prove absolutely disastrous in the long term concerning health. Long-term usage of anabolic steroids permanently damages organs and exposes individuals to increased risks of cancerous diseases and sometimes even fatal heart conditions. For bodybuilders who want to achieve the ultimate ideal body, it might mean that the use of steroids will severely shorten their lifespan or pose lifelong health problems.
The Hidden Costs of Steroid Use
Although the promise of rapid muscle growth and increased performance may be very enticing for some, the long-term risks are many times more outweighing any short-term gains that might result from use. The health complications resulting from anabolic steroid use can sometimes be quite severe, including heart damage, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and psychological distress. Besides that, steroid use can damage an athlete’s reputation and standing within the bodybuilding community.
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