Anabolic-androgenic steroids are medications that can be prescribed for certain medical conditions. Also simply known as anabolic steroids, these are also sometimes misused for other purposes, especially for performance enhancement.

All types of steroids can cause side effects.

Anabolic steroids are perhaps the most notorious for causing adverse health effects in people who misuse them because of the higher doses and long-term duration involved.

Anabolic steroids are prescription medications that contain a synthetic form of testosterone. As the primary sex hormone in males, testosterone is responsible for the development of certain features, such as facial hair. It also helps with muscle growth.

Considering such roles of testosterone in male human development and health, anabolic steroids may be important tools to help address certain cases of hormone deficiencies.

A doctor may prescribe anabolic steroids for males with the following medical conditions:

  • delayed puberty
  • low testosterone
  • health problems that may disrupt hormone levels
  • muscle loss caused by other medical conditions

Additionally, they may be used to treat breast cancer, aplastic anemia, and osteoporosis.

Anabolic steroids are sometimes misused for non-medical purposes, such as accelerated muscle growth or increased athletic performance. Not only are such uses unsafe, but they’re also illegal.

Taking synthetic testosterone via anabolic steroids can cause the following side effects:

  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • increased cholesterol
  • fluid retention
  • kidney damage
  • blood clots
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • liver problems or cancer
  • severe mood swings, including more aggressive behaviors
  • hallucinations and/or delusions
  • hormonal and reproductive issues
  • sex drive changes
  • muscle aches and pains
  • increased and severe acne
  • permanent stretch marks
  • stomach problems
  • hair growth changes
  • male-pattern hair loss
  • addiction to steroids, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking these medications
  • increased risk of drug or alcohol misuse to counteract steroid side effects

The risk of side effects from anabolic steroids can also vary based on age and your sex assigned at birth.

For example, teens who misuse these steroids may experience stunted growth. It’s also possible for this age group to experience accelerated bone growth, which may then lead to early onset osteoporosis.

Males who misuse anabolic steroids are at risk of developing:

  • low sperm count
  • fertility problems
  • shrinking testicles
  • testicular cancer
  • hair loss and baldness
  • breast growth

Females can also experience hormone-related issues from misusing anabolic steroids, including:

  • menstrual cycle changes
  • decreased size of breasts
  • swollen clitoris
  • new body and facial hair development
  • developing a deep voice

Unless a doctor prescribes anabolic steroids to you for a legitimate medical reason, there’s no safe way to take these medications for other purposes.

While you might be tempted to try over-the-counter supplements instead, know that the evidence shows many of those advertised for athletic performance have unknown side effects.

If you’re looking to build muscle and improve athletic performance, the safest alternatives are those that do not rely on medications and supplements. Consider talking with a dietitian and/or personal trainer to help you safely build muscle and stamina instead.

It’s important to seek medical help if you are taking anabolic steroids as prescribed and are experiencing any concerning side effects.

Additionally, you should talk with a doctor if you are misusing these steroids and you feel as though you may have an addiction to them. They can recommend a treatment plan to help you safely stop taking steroids while also addressing issues to help you not use them in the future.

If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing body dysmorphic disorder, consider talking with a healthcare professional. This mental health condition may cause you to regularly worry that your muscles are not big enough or that you are not strong enough.

Treating body dysmorphic disorder may decrease the likelihood of unhealthy behaviors, such as misuse of anabolic steroids.

While anabolic steroids have their place in the treatment of certain medical conditions, these medications are not safe for any other use. Any promises of better athletic performance are also not backed by clinical evidence.

Furthermore, steroids will not make you “healthy” when they are misused in such ways. On the contrary, anabolic steroids can be dangerous or even deadly.

Read on to find answers to commonly asked questions.

Certain side effects of anabolic steroids may be permanent, such as organ damage and stretch marks on your skin.

While there is no precise timeline for side effect development, it’s possible to experience negative effects from steroids relatively quickly. Some side effects may decrease with discontinued use, while others may not even show up for several years.

The only way to avoid side effects from anabolic steroids is to avoid them altogether. Side effects also tend to be worse with prolonged use.

What’s more, people who misuse these steroids sometimes take doses between 10 and 100 times stronger than those prescribed for legitimate medical conditions. This may also worsen the risk of severe side effects.

Many of the side effects of anabolic steroids are similar to other types of steroids, such as mood changes, heart problems, and hypertension.

Other effects are exclusive to these synthetic testosterone medications, such as those that can cause male characteristics in women and female characteristics in men.

The most common drug test for anabolic steroid misuse is a urine test. Some testing kits may use saliva, blood, or sweat, too. Testing for steroids is often used in professional athletes.

There are “natural” supplements legally sold over the counter that are marketed for athletic performance. However, these are not regulated, and they can still cause side effects. Talk with a doctor before taking any new herbs or supplements.

The takeaway

Anabolic steroids are sometimes prescribed by doctors for people who need synthetic testosterone support to address certain medical conditions. In such cases, the medications are taken at the lowest doses possible, and for as short an amount of time as necessary.

The use of anabolic steroids for muscle growth and athletic performance, on the other hand, is not considered a legal or safe use of this drug. The high doses of steroids taken for such purposes, as well as the lack of oversight by a medical professional, can lead to a wide range of serious side effects.

If you or a loved one misuses anabolic steroids, it’s important to see a doctor for treatment. The sooner you can address the issue and find healthy alternatives, the less likely you are to experience potentially deadly risks in the future.