Should I take Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic Steroids are drugs derived from the male sex hormone, testosterone, and are used to promote muscle growth and increased lean body mass.

Although they have many approved medical uses, steroids are also abused by an alarming number of athletes and bodybuilders all seeking to improve their performance and physical appearance. However, the non-medical use of these drugs carries severe physical and psychological health risks.

In males, they can trigger a mechanism in the body, causing a shut down in the healthy functioning of the male reproductive system, resulting in a number of effects including shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, impotence, premature baldness, enlarged prostate gland and enlarged breasts (gynecomastia).

In females, effects include deepening of the voice, the growth of facial hair and reduction in breast size.

Other symptoms are commonly observed in both sexes include severe acne, weakened tendons (leading to increased injury risk), severe mood swings, uncontrolled bursts of anger, delusions and paranoia and depression (especially when steroid use is discontinued).

The longer-term health effects include increased blood pressure and cholesterol, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, as well as kidney and liver disease.

If that's not enough to put you off, remember that non-medical anabolic steroid use is considered as out and out cheating, and is therefore banned by almost every sporting and athletic organisation worldwide, with severe penalties for those who are caught. It's a no-brainer.