special subjects
Anabolic Steroids
Symptoms and Signs of Anabolic Steroid Use
Anabolic steroids have physical and psychologic effects. The more drug is taken, the greater the effect. Themain physical effectof anabolic steroids is Increased muscle size Other physical effectsinclude Breast Disorders in Men (breast enlargement) and shrunken testicles with decreased sperm count in men Virilization (masculinizing effects) in women, such as baldness, excess body hair ( Hairiness ), an enlarged clitoris, a deepened voice, shrunken breasts, and thinning of the lining (atrophy) of the vagina. Gynecomastia in men and masculinizing effects in women may be irreversible. Increased acne is common in both sexes. Libido may increase or, less commonly, decrease. Aggressiveness and appetite may increase. In younger adolescents, steroids can interfere with the development of arm and leg bones. Long-term use can cause the body to produce too many red blood cells and abnormal levels of fats ( Overview of Cholesterol and Lipid Disorders ) in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—the bad—cholesterol levels increase, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—the good—cholesterol levels decrease. Severe cardiovascular complications, including Steroids have several psychologic effects (usually only with high doses): Wide and erratic mood swings Irrational behavior Increased aggressiveness (steroid, or "roid" rage) Irritability Increased sex drive (libido) in men and sometimes in women Depression 