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Adverse
effects of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse depend on the age and sex
of the individual, the duration and total dose of exposure, and the
type of steroid that was used. As shown (see below),
these effects may be differentiated into androgenic (Table 1) or toxic
effects (Table 2). The androgenic effects of the anabolic androgenic
steroids are an amplification of the physiological effects of androgens
while the toxic effects occurs with prolonged usage of steroids. These
adverse effects can not be determined for all cases because they were
determined by individual case reports. Other
adverse effects of AAS also target certain body systems.
Reproductive
System
Tesotosterone
secretion and sperm production by the testes are controlled by hormones
from the anterior pituitary gland. A negative feedback mechanism enables
testosterone to inhibit the secretion of the controlling hormones
which maintains a constant circulating level of testosterone.
Use
of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), inhibits the anterior pituitary
gland, preventing the testes from receiving their normal stimulatory
input. This action decreases testosterone secretion
and sperm which causes the testes to shrink.
In
females, the use of AAS inhibits the anterior pituitary gland by repressing
the hormonal output that controls ovarian function. This action results
in menstrual irregularites, decreased
secretion of "feminizing" female sex hormones
(estrogen), and failure to ovulate
which ultimately results in diminuition
of breast size and other female characteristics.
Cardiovascular
System
Use
of AAS increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis
(hardening of artery walls). Atherosclerosis is associated
with an increased incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
Other
adverse effects are a reduction in high density lipoproteins (HDL),
which are the carriers that hep remove cholesterol from the body,
and an elevation in blood pressure.
Liver
Liver
dysfunction is also a common adverse effect of steroids. The liver
usually inactivates steroid hormones and prepares them for urinary
excretion. With high steroid intake, the liver becomes overloaded.
Due to this, the chances of developing liver
cancer increases.
Behavior
The
use of AAS has also been linked to aggresive behavior although not
proven which is often called, "roid
rages".
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