Long-Term Affects of Steroids

Anabolic steroids contain adverse long-term effects. The use of such can trigger the chemical pathways in the brain causing the body to go into a “high” state. This high state affects the person’s mood and behavior. These steroids may cause the person to have major mood swings. Lee F. Monaghan explains in “Bodybuilding, steroids, and violence” that steroids and violence are commonly tied together. Steroid-using bodybuilders are known for having mood swings and getting angry towards the slightest statements. Women have been known to be physically abused by male partners that take steroids. Monaghan explains that people using steroids are more anti-social and increasing violent behavior towards the public. An example of violence involving the use of steroids is “roid rage.” “Roid rage” is when a person lashes out with anger while using steroids. Bodybuilders who use steroids are more likely to develop “roid rage.”

There are more than 40 different types of androgenic-anabolic steroids available. Steroids have been used to increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. One approach that people use involves a “pyramid” regime. This is described as steroids being taken in cycles of increasing and decreasing doses over the midst of 4 to 18 weeks. The long list of side effects due to the usage of anabolic steroids include high blood pressure, live diseases, acne, aggression, etc. In males, sperm count decreases and form enlarged breasts. Opposed to females who form more masculine traits such as increased body hair, deeper voice, and decreased breast size.

Many people rather stay natural within their lives while others like to take the easy way out. In "AU NATUREL - BODYBUILDERS SAY STEROIDS NOT WORTH HEALTH RISKS” Lundin explains that anabolic steroids can be injected into the person or taken orally to gain muscle mass. These anabolic steroids contain the male hormone, testosterone. A 20-year old bodybuilder stated that he is genetically gifted and will not be using steroids for his next competition but is worried that the competitors using anabolic steroids will outshine him. All bodybuilders know steroids come with harmful side effects including infertility, liver damage, hardening of the arteries, etc.  Diana E. Lundin talks about a 31-year old power lifter who quit using steroids due to its side effects. His symptoms included feminization of breasts and urinary tract problems. Bodybuilders are becoming more and more familiar with these anabolic steroids and their harmful health risks making them think twice about using them.

References

Banawich, Terry. “30 Lies Of Bodybuilding!” Bodybuilding.com. (2015): Web. 30 June 2015.

Danielsson, Matt. “Genetics: How Will They Affect You?” Bodybuilding.com. (2013): Web. 30 June 2015.

Lawrence, Taylor. BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc (2015): Web. 28 June 2015.

Lundin, Diana E. "AU NATUREL - BODYBUILDERS SAY STEROIDS NOT WORTH HEALTH RISKS." Daily News of Los Angeles (CA.) 6 September 1993: L.A. LIFE: L1. Web. 16 June 2015.

Monaghan, Lee F. “Bodybuilding, steroids, and violence.” Bodybuilding, Drugs, and Risk. New York: Routledge. 2001. Web. 16 June 2015.

Topic of the Week. “SHOULD THE IFBB BAN STEROIDS FOR REAL?” Bodybuilding.com. (2010): Web. 30 June 2015.