Those wishing to raise their status in their sport, or those simply looking to improve the appearance of their bodies, will have trouble turning their heads from a drug that can potentially produce such positive results in such a short period of time. 1.
Why then, when such positive results are possible, is there a dilemma with steroid use? The potential negative side-effects lead us to our answer. Different studies show a growing list of these quite undesirable side-effects. New York Times reports the stunting of bone growth, testicular shrinkage, and even female breasts in male users. Why does this happen? When the fake testosterone enters the body, the body eventually stops making its own. 3 .
Another source reports problems such as head-aches, nausea, changes in bowel movements, and even the weakening of tendons, which is quite dangerous for athletes. The heart may also enlarge, which can lead to heart failure, and high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries can occur. Heavy use can also lead to severe liver damage, with such results as cancer, jaundice, and hepatitis. Kidney disease and kidney stones may also develop. On top of all this the user may become sterile and experience sexual dysfunction. 2 Yet another source adds acne and even baldness of the scalp to the list. 1 .
The most disturbing of all of the possible effects may be one outside of this physical realm. It is an emotional side-effect. The steroid user is prone to experience temperament changes. Most users report at least some increase in aggressiveness and usually in sexual libido as well. 1 This combination is not a positive one. The term "roid rage" has been labeled to these instances of aggressiveness which are usually minor but can be quite serious and dangerous. Depression and irritability seem to come side by side with this increased aggressiveness. 5 .
The dosages of the drug have become one of our serious issues to be addressed.
