Side Effects of Steroids


The effects of anabolic steroid use can differ from person to person. Some people may experience:

  • fluid retention (also called water retention or oedema)
  • difficulty sleeping
  • damage to nerves from injecting steroids
  • irritability, mood swings, aggression or depression
  • increased sex drive (libido)
  • skin changes – acne that results in scarring
Men may experience:
  • testicle and penis shrinkage
  • reduced sperm count
  • baldness (patterned hair loss)
  • involuntary and long-lasting erection
Women may experience:
  • irregular menstrual cycle or loss of periods (amenorrhoea)
  • shrunken breasts
  • deepened voice
  • facial and body hair growth (such as hirsutism)
  • abnormal growth of the clitoris


Main benefits of Steroid Use


When you think of steroids, the first thing that may come to mind is their use in bodybuilding to promote muscle gain. While this is a common application, AAS are used for several other purposes.
The main potential benefits associated with anabolic steroids are the following

  • increases in muscle tissue due to enhanced protein synthesis
  • decreased body fat percentage
  • increased muscle strength and power
  • enhanced recovery from workouts and injury
  • improved bone mineral density
  • better muscle endurance
  • increased red blood cell production
  • higher metabolism 
  • higher sex drive
  • over all well being enhanced 
  • increase in energy levels
  • decrease in joint inflammation 
  • increased immune system 

These potential effects may benefit various groups of individuals.