Whether or not we hear about it, steroid usage is rampant among the sports world. While steroids are a controlled substance and not sanctioned for use in athletics, they are still widely used on the sly. Most sports associations have stringent rules about steroid use and frequently test athletes, levying severe penalties for those found using. Steroids effects among those using them outside of medical prescriptions can be catastrophic up to and including death from cardiovascular events, cancer, suicide and others. Steroids can be legally prescribed by doctors to treat medical conditions that involve swelling or loss of muscle mass.
The most common potential side effects of steroids are extremely serious issues that can only be reversed if the steroid usage is stopped before a heart attack, stroke, suicide or other irreversible event happens. Some of the potential steroids effects are:
Cardiovascular problems- when taking steroids, the body increases the amount of bad cholesterol that is produced. Bad cholesterol builds up in the blood and causes blood clots. Blood clots can break free and wreak havoc such as heart attacks and strokes. Steroids effects also cause fast weight gain which then causes a spike in blood pressure. High blood pressure makes users more susceptible to cardiovascular events.
Kidney problems- steroids and other toxic products are hard on kidneys and can lead to high blood pressure. Some of the symptoms of kidney issues are lower back pain, fever and swelling in the lower legs and ankles.
Psychiatric problems- these are the steroids effects that are most heard of outside of the realm of sports. For it is when these things spiral out of control into suicides, homicides and other violent outbursts that are contributed to 'roid rage' that steroids make the news most often. Small scale studies show that long term steroid abuse can lead to behaviors that mimic bipolar behaviors. The mania that comes with that can lead to reckless behavior and aggressiveness. This mania is often followed by a crash of deep depression that can lead to suicidal behavior.
Users report steroids effects such as muscle bulk, longer endurance and stronger strength in the short term. But steroids cannot and do not improve athletic skill, cardio capacity or agility. These are all factors that affect performance as much as endurance and strength. The use of steroids or steroid products in the sports arena is widespread even as it is frowned upon by many.
