Sundaymail Editor
Some of the health risks associated with body-enhancing substances and steroid abuse in bodybuilding.
Cardiovascular system
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Decreased function of the heart’s ventricles
Heart attack and stroke
Damage to arteries
Increased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
Decreased levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
Increased risk of blood clots
Enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Hormonal system
In men:
Decreased sperm production
Infertility
Shrinking of the private parts (testicular atrophy)
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Breast development (gynecomastia)
Increased risk of prostate cancer
Male pattern baldness
Low testosterone levels
Involuntary and prolonged erection (priapism)
In women:
Growth of facial and body hair (hirsutism)
Loss of breasts
Swelling of the private parts
Deepening of the voice (may be irreversible)
Increased sex drive
Problems with or cessation of menstrual periods (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea)
Loss of scalp hair
Decreased body fat
In adolescents
Stunted growth due to premature ageing of bones
Early development of secondary sexual characteristics
Liver
Liver damage and dysfunction
Liver tumours
Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver)
Infections
Increased risk of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C transmission (from sharing needles)
Damage to veins, leading to ulcers or gangrene (from injecting)
Suppressed immune system, potentially worsening infections
Musculoskeletal system
Premature stopping of bone growth in adolescents
Stiffer tendons, increasing the risk of tendon injury
Muscle and joint pain
Increased risk of swollen or torn tendons
Psychological and emotional effects
Aggressive behaviour
Mood swings
Paranoia
Manic behaviour
Hallucinations and delusions
Depression and apathy
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia
Irritability
Feelings of being superhuman or invincible
Dependence and addiction
Other risks
Severe acne
Fluid retention
High cholesterol
Kidney problems or failure
Sleep apnea
Weight gain
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (with diuretics)
Increased risk of blood cancers (with erythropoietin, human growth hormone)
Diabetes (with human growth hormone)
Vision problems (with human growth hormone)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (with human growth hormone)
It is important to note that the severity and likelihood of these side effects can vary depending on the specific substances used, the dosage, the duration of use and individual susceptibility, among other factors. Many of these effects are reversible upon cessation of the substances, but some can be permanent.
Online Reporter