Psychological Effects Of Anabolic Steroids

Administration of anabolic steroids may affect behavior. Increased testosterone levels in the blood are associated with masculine behavior, aggressiveness and increased sexual desire. Increased aggressiveness may be beneficial for athletic training, but may also lead to overt violence outside the gym or the track. There are reports of violent, criminal behavior in individuals taking anabolic steroids. Other side effects of anabolic steroids are euphoria, confusion, sleeping disorders, pathological anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Anabolic steroid users may become dependent on the drug, with symptoms of withdrawal after cessation of drug use. The withdrawal symptoms consist of aggressive and violent behavior, mental depression with suicidal behavior, mood changes, and in some cases acute psychosis. At present it is unknown which individuals are particularly at risk. It is likely that great individual differences in responsiveness may exist. Some individuals try to minimize the withdrawal affects by administration of human choriogonadotropins (hCG), in order to enhance endogenous testosterone production. However, it is unknown in how far the hCG administration is successful in ameliorating the withdrawal effects.

In addition to the mentioned side effects several others have been reported. In both males and females acne are frequently reported, as well as hypertrophy of sebaceous glands, increased tallow excretion, hair loss, and alopecia. There is some evidence that anabolic steroid abuse may affect the immune system, leading to a decreased effectiveness of the defense system. Steroid use decreases the glucose tolerance, while there is an increase in insulin resistance. These changes mimic Type II diabetes. These changes seem to be reversible after abstention from the drugs.

There are some case reports suggesting a causal relationship between anabolic steroid use and the occurrence of Wilms tumor, and prostatic carcinoma. In the literature also sleep apnea has been reported, which has been associated with AS-induced increased in hematocrit, leading to blood stasis and thrombosis.

AS use may affect thyroid function. Administration of AS has been found to decrease thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH), and the products of the thyroid gland. In addition, thyroid binding globulin (TBG). These changes reversed within weeks after discontinuation of AS use.

A serious consequence of AS use may be the multiple drug abuse. On the one hand athletes use different kinds of drugs in an attempt to counterbalance the side effects: hCG, thyroid hormones, anti-estrogens, anti-depressants. On the other hand people try to support the anabolic effects of AS by using additional anabolic hormones as for instance: different types of AS at the same time, growth hormone, insulin, erythropoietine and clenbuterol. Because most of this takes place outside the official medical circuit, it is likely that these practices may lead to serious conditions.

Anabolic Steroids and the Male Reproductive System

Anabolic steroids are derivatives of testosterone, which has strong genitotropic effects. For this reason, it will not be surprising that side effects include the reproductive system. Application of anabolic steroids leads to supra-physiological concentrations of testosterone or testosterone derivatives. Via the feed back loop, the production and release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) is decreased. Prolonged use of anabolic steroids in relatively high doses will lead to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, with decreased serum concentrations of LH, FSH, and testosterone.

There are strong indications that the duration, dosage, and chemical structure of the anabolic steroids are important for the serum concentrations of gonadotropins. A moderate decrease of gonadotropin secretion causes atrophy of the testes, as well as a decrease of sperm cell production. Oligo, azoospermia and an increased number of abnormal sperm cells have been reported in athletes using AS, resulting in a decreased fertility. After stopping AS use, the gonadal functions will restore within some months. There are indications, however, that it may take several months.

In bodybuilding, where usually high dosages are uses, after stopping steroid use, often choriogonadotropins are administered to stimulate testicular function. The effectiveness of this therapy is unknown.

The various studies suggest that using more than one type of anabolic steroid at the same time ("stacking") causes a stronger inhibition of the gonadal functions than using one single anabolic steroid. After abstention from anabolic steroids these changes in fertility usually reverse within some months. However, several cases of have been reported in which the situation of hypothyroidism lasted for more than 12 weeks. A well known side effect of AS in males is breast formation (gynecomastia). Gynecomastia is caused by increased levels of circulating estrogens, which are typical female sex hormones. The estrogens estradiol and estrone are formed in males by peripheral aromatization and conversion of AS. The increased levels of circulation estrogens in males stimulate breast growth. In general, gynecomastia is irreversible.

Anabolic steroids may affect sexual desire. Although few investigations on this issue have been published, it appears that during AS use sexual desire is increased, although the frequency of erectile dysfunction is increased. This may seem contradictory, but sexual appetite is androgen dependent, while erectile function is not. Since sexual desire and aggressiveness are increased during AS use, the risk of getting involved in sexual assault may be increased.

Get the Right Amount of Protein

Instead of three meals a day, eat six times a day, but in smaller portions. This means you'll be eating something every two to three hours. This allows your blood sugar to keep from spiking and it minimizes any cravings, which can lead to overeating. You'll discover you have more energy and your muscles will have a resolute source of protein with which to set right themselves.
Each day, your body needs 1.2 grams of protein per beat of corpse weight to maintain your weight. If you are trying to increase your muscle mass, you will need closer to 2 grams per pound. Divide your daily protein needs by six to get the amount you need to eat at each meal. Then selected lean meats like chicken, turkey and white fish to be source of the protein. Other possible sources can be skim milk, egg whites and protein powder. No more than two of your meals each day should be liquid. Carbohydrates are your body's main fuel source. Multiply your lean body weight by 0.8 to get the number of carbohydrates you need each day. One third of this amount should be part of your first meal of the day to jump-start your metabolism. The other two-thirds should be consumed with the meal before and after your workout to ensure your cadaver has the force for an effectual workout.

Anabolic steroids also boost sex drive in men

However, steroids can often better mood and energy levels significantly, which may have other knock-on effects, such as enhanced energy for day-to-day activities such as preparing nutriment. Steroid use needs to be accompanied by an increased food intake. Individuals who cannot afford the high protein, great carbohydrate nutriment which is the best diet for structure muscle may not get the full benefit of the prescription. Steroids are often accompanied by a prescription for protein supplements and nutrient enriched sip drinks.
Anabolic steroids also move hair cultivation. They can make the hairline recede faster and encourage hair loss on the head in men already programmed for significant hair loss. They can also encourage hair to grow on the back, shoulders and arms. In women growth of facial hair may occur as a end result of steroid use.

Anabolic steroids also boost sex drive in men, and the sex drive will diminish quite dramatically once steroid use stops There may be some reduce in testicle size which is reversed on stopping the steroid. The return may take a few weeks depending on the quantity and the length of the course. In HIV-positive men with standard testosterone levels and good health, steroid use will have the effect of knocking out natural testosterone producing, which takes several months to return once steroid use ceases.