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Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate
sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone
boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally
there is no doubt that its use can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of
users.
The androgenic properties of testosterone can affect the body in many ways but
often users see these as inconveniences that can be treated by using other
drugs. The most common side effects of testosterone supplementation include the
following:
1. Testicle shrinkage - the body responds to testosterone overload by reducing
its own production of the hormone. This causes the testicles to shrink due to
lack of use. When steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again but they
could take at least six months to return to normal size.
2. Addiction - despite some users trying to convince themselves otherwise, the
use of steroids can result in physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal
symptoms can be severe with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido.
3. Growth of breast tissue - this affects roughly one third of male steroid
users. It is caused by the conversion of some excess testosterone into the
female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually disappear when use of steroids
ceases but in some cases they are permanent and may require surgical removal.
4. Baldness and skin conditions - excess testosterone can be converted into DHT,
a hair unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male pattern baldness and
oily skin.
5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result from careless or
incompetent injecting.
Some people have died as a result of steroid abuse and even those who adopt a
careful, pragmatic approach have to accept that these health risks are
unavoidable. My advice is, follow the natural route and use nutritional
supplements to boost the anabolic process.
Richard
Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com
website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all
levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding
Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this
article.
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