Anabolic steroids were first developed in the 30s to promote skeletal muscle growth and for development of male sexual characteristics. Effects of anabolic steroids include protein building and are used by weightlifters, bodybuilders and men in general to get a muscular physique. The anabolic steroids effects also include improved performance through reduction of body fat and increased muscle mass.

The muscle increase happens as the steroids mimic the effects of testosterone which is naturally produced by the body. Use of anabolic steroids is not allowed in sports and is considered to be illegal. On an international platform athletes are often tested for the use of steroids so as to rule out any unfair advantage.

Steroids are also used as medicines in some cases to treat some specific medical issues. Anabolic steroids effects help in treating some medical issues like the problem of delayed puberty and these are also used to treat some kinds of anemia and impotence along with osteoporosis in women. The steroids can be taken either orally or by using creams, gels and injections. Oral anabolic steroids effects are seen in a number of cases and in some situations the side effects from these steroids are almost irreversible.

Some common Effects of anabolic steroids include jaundice, increased blood pressure, liver tumors and fluid retention. Some other effects among men include shrinking of testicles, infertility, and development of breasts, baldness and reduced sperm count. Among women the anabolic steroids effects include cessation or changes in the menstrual cycle and deepening of the voice along with development of facial hair. In adolescents the steroids may result in premature halting of growth or accelerated changes during puberty.

Research indicates that anabolic steroids effects also include paranoid jealousy among its users. Users may also experience delusions, extreme irritability and impaired judgment and such a feeling may be stem from a feeling of invincibility. These effects seriously hamper the health and can affect the liver by reducing the excretory function of the liver. Steroid use has been linked with liver cancer.

Anabolic steroids also affect the vascular system and the heart and studies have reflected this. Steroids cause damage to the cardiovascular system and can also cause blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Anabolic steroids effects also include structural changes in the heart. Heart disease and other problems like strokes are also possible because of anabolic steroids particularly with those that are orally consumed.

The appetite also increases manifold following consumption of steroids and there is growth of bone mass. In women enlargement of clitoris is often seen following intake of steroids and in a male child the penis also enlarges. Steroids also result in growth in hair in pubic region and other areas like chest and limbs. Anabolic steroids effects can also include dizziness, insomnia, mood swings, nausea and vomiting.

Some other effects include greater possibility of causing injury to tendons and muscles along with trembling, aching joints and urinary problems. Steroid users that inject using a needle are also at a greater risk of getting AIDS.