What are anabolic steroids?Synthetic forms of androgens are called as Anabolic steroids which were initially manufactured t treat health conditions. Apart from that, they are used to increase lean muscles and improve problems with sex in males.

Off late, the strong properties of anabolic steroids have made many body builders to use it for growth and strength of the muscle.

Uses of anabolic steroids

Available in pills, injections, patches, gels and cream form, these steroids are mostly used in pills or injection form.

Depending on the action of the steroid, they are chosen for either cutting cycle or bulking cycle. Some are used just before the competitions to enhance the muscle hardness and achieve a more defined look.

A number of research studies reveal that steroids do not work on their own; they need a proper diet and exercise along with it because the main nutrient for muscle is protein. AS you take a good amount of protein, these steroids work on utilizing it and give you the energy to work out to achieve the desired results.

Side Effects

Any steroid you take will have some side effects. The extent of side effects depends proper dosage and your health condition as well. Hence, it is always advised to take it under the guidance of a doctor. Here are some general sides effects associated with anabolic steroids and are mostly short termed.

• Acne
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping problems
• Restlessness
• Impotence
• Swelling in hands/feet
• Swelling in the areas of injecting the steroid

High doses of steroids may cause: 

• High Levels of Cholesterol
• Irritability
• Blood pressure
• Fertility problems.
• Heart problems.
• Liver diseases
• Depression and mood swings
• Anxiety
• Kidney diseases
• Rapid mood swings.

Apart from the above, gender specific side effects can also be seen.

In Men:

• Reduces sperm count
• Enlarged breasts as a growth in breast tissues
• Shrinking of testicles

In Women:

• Increase in male type features like excess body hair, deepening ofvoice, rough skin
• Male type baldness
• Decreased breast size
• Enlarged the clitoris
• Irregular menstrual cycle

Long term side effects

The long term usage of anabolic steroids will have an effect on your brain and can affect the production of some chemicals in the brain. Due to this, you may notice some changes in the person’s behavior or mood changes or irritability etc.  Some of the long term side effects include:

• Aggression
• Tumors
• Blood diseases due to injections
• Heart problems
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Damage to major organs like liver, kidney and heart

Stopping steroids

There are some side effects noted from the sudden withdrawal of anabolic steroids which include problems like fatigue, restlessness, mood changes, changes in sex drive and you may also have a craving for the steroid. Hence, it is always advisable to gradually decrease the dose before stopping it completely thus allowing time for your body to adjust.