Last Updated on July 10, 2023

Anabolic steroids, the synthetic variations of the male hormone Testosterone, are commonly used to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance. Using steroids to get in shape real fast may have dangerous drawbacks on your health, and even professional bodybuilders can mess up their bodies taking steroids.

Here are Some Common Side Effects Associated with Anabolic Steroid Use in Men

Cardiovascular Issues

Steroid use can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. It can lead to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension), which may contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes. Anabolic steroids can also negatively impact cholesterol levels, leading to a decrease in “good” cholesterol (HDL) and an increase in “bad” cholesterol (LDL). This alteration in lipid profile can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries), and increasing the risk of blood clots. The use of anabolic steroids can also lead to an enlarged heart, a condition known as cardiomegaly.

Hormonal Imbalances

Anabolic steroids disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance and can lead to breast development in males (gynecomastia). Prolonged use can also suppress the body’s natural testosterone production, leading to infertility, and erectile dysfunction.

Liver Problems

Certain oral anabolic steroids are hepatotoxic, meaning they can cause liver damage. Injected steroids, on the other hand, bypass the liver and have a lower risk of causing liver damage.

Kidney Problems

Steroids can disrupt the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, and can lead to fluid retention (oedema). Also, anabolic sterids can cause scarring in the glomeruli – the tiny blood vessels responsible for filtering waste products from the blood.

Skin Problems

Steroid use can contribute to skin issues such as acne, oily skin, and the development of cysts or nodules. Steroids can also exacerbate male pattern baldness in individuals genetically prone to it.

Musculoskeletal System Problems

While anabolic steroids can promote muscle growth and strength, they can also lead to the premature closure of growth plates in adolescents, limiting their potential height. Tendons and ligaments may also become weaker, increasing the risk of fractures.

Digestive Disturbances

Steroid use may disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain.

Psychological Disturbances

Anabolic steroids can affect mood and behavior, leading to mood swings, increased aggression (commonly referred to as “roid rage”), irritability, and even psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Some Prominent Bodybuilders Who Died Prematurely and Having a History of Anabolic Steroid Use

Andreas Münzer (1964-1996): An Austrian bodybuilder who is often cited as a prominent example of a bodybuilder who died as a result of extreme drug use, including anabolic steroids. He pushed his body to the limits with intense training and reportedly used a variety of substances. Münzer died at the age of 31 due to multiple organ failure.

Mohammed Benaziza (1959-1992): An Algerian bodybuilder who competed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He achieved considerable success in the sport but tragically passed away at the age of 33, shortly after competing in the 1992 World Championships. The cause of his death was a heart attack.

Greg Kovacs (1968-2013): A Canadian bodybuilder who passed away at the age of 44 due to heart failure. In the latter half of the 1990s, Greg Kovacs was the largest pro bodybuilder.

Nasser El Sonbaty (1965-2013): A professional bodybuilder born in Germany to an Egyptian father and a Yugoslav mother. He died at age 47 apparently due to multiple organs failure.

Rich Piana (1970-2017): A well-known bodybuilder and social media personality who died at the age of 46 due to heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

Dallas McCarver (1991-2017): An American pro bodybuilder who died at the age of 26. The official cause of his death was an enlarged heart, and the presence of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

It’s important to note that these examples represent individual cases, and may not be applicable to all bodybuilders using steroids as numerous factors can contribute to an individual’s health outcome. However, anabolic steroids should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for specific medical conditions and in accordance with prescribed dosages.

Reference
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anabolic-steroid-misuse/
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-bodybuilders-die-early-when-using-steroids/answer/Akshay-Chopra-48