Using anabolic steroids will give both positive and negative effects to the user. These effects will range from increasing strength, muscle mass, reducing body fat and psychological effects, such as increasing libido/sex drive, confidence and energy levels. This is why the physical effects of steroids need to be understood before embarking on using these hormones. These positive effects can be permanent, and others temporary. Usually the muscular gains made using steroids will be temporary unless the user continues to cycle and use anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are used by athletes wanting an edge, those who want to look better for social reasons and also by bodybuilders during offseason and cutting stacks. The effects will vary from individual because of genetic predisposition.
But it’s not all good… Anabolic steroids can also manifest physical side effects in males and females. Aggression, acne, gynecomastia, excess hair growth, virilisation symptoms in females all exist and are both permanent and temporary.
Many of these steroids side effects can be avoided with proper preparation and planning. For example, in males, many side effects are attributed to estrogen conversion. This occurs when testosterone aromatases into estrogen. Estrogen can cause a number of side effects already mentioned. Gynecomastia being the number one, but water retention, increased blood pressure, acne and behavioural problems can manifest when estrogen is high. Cholesterol problems can also become evident. Anabolic steroids that aromatase are, Dianabol or Methandrostenolone and Testosterone derived androgens. When these are used an aromatase inhibitor (AI) should be used to control estrogen levels.
