Major research findings

The abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts has been on the rise in recent years. While AAS are often sought after for their muscle-building effects, many studies have shown that their use comes with serious health risks. 2 , , , , , 7 , 6 , , , 8 , , , , , , 1 , , These studies have reported various side effects associated with AAS abuse, such as liver damage, heart disease, mental health problems, hormonal imbalances, and skin problems. Furthermore, AAS abuse has been shown to have serious effects on kidneys and muscles. , 5 AAS abuse can have serious consequences for your body, so you should never take it lightly.

Reasons for side effects

The side effects of AAS are closely related to their mode of action. AAS are synthetic hormones that have a structure similar to testosterone, the male sex hormone. Like testosterone, AAS have effects that promote muscle growth and masculine characteristics. However, AAS are more potent than testosterone, so their risk of side effects is also higher.

Common side effects

Liver damage

AAS can put a strain on the liver and lead to liver dysfunction. This is because the metabolic process of AAS can produce harmful substances that damage the liver. , In particular, a type of AAS known as 17α-alkylated AAS is known to be highly toxic to the liver. 7 , AAS abuse increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Heart disease

AAS can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease. AAS can raise blood pressure and worsen cholesterol levels. 7 AAS also have the effect of making the heart muscle grow larger, which can contribute to heart failure. AAS abuse increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Mental health problems

AAS can cause mental health problems. AAS can trigger anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety. 7 AAS also have the potential to cause addiction.

Hormonal imbalance

AAS can suppress the production of male hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances. AAS abuse in men can lead to decreased sperm count and erectile dysfunction. 7 In women, it can cause masculinization (development of male-like physical characteristics) and menstrual irregularities. 7 AAS abuse can also cause hypogonadism. 4 ,

Skin problems

AAS can cause skin problems such as acne and hair loss. 2 , AAS increase the production of sebum, making acne more likely to occur. AAS can also affect hair, leading to hair loss.

Kidney problems

AAS can put a strain on the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease. AAS can cause kidney inflammation, reduce kidney function, and increase the risk of kidney stones and kidney cancer. 7

Muscle problems

While AAS promote muscle growth, they can also lead to muscle damage. AAS abuse can cause muscle pain, stiffness, and atrophy. AAS abuse can also cause muscle inflammation and damage muscle tissue.

Measures to prevent side effects

Liver damage

To prevent liver damage, it is important to reduce the amount of AAS taken and eat foods that are good for the liver. It is also important to have regular liver function tests. If liver damage is detected, it is important to receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

Heart disease

To prevent heart disease, it is important to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 7 It is also important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Regular heart checkups are also essential.

Mental health problems

To prevent mental health problems, it is important to relieve stress and relax. 7 If you are experiencing mental health problems, it is important to seek professional help.

Hormonal imbalance

To prevent hormonal imbalances, it is important to reduce the amount of AAS taken and to consider hormone replacement therapy. If hormonal imbalances are detected, it is important to receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

Skin problems

To prevent skin problems, it is important to maintain cleanliness and take steps to prevent acne. 2 If your acne worsens, it is important to seek advice from a dermatologist.

Kidney problems

To prevent kidney disease, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet that does not burden the kidneys. 7 Regular kidney checkups are also essential.

Muscle problems

To prevent muscle damage, it is important to choose the right training methods and exercise safely without overexertion. It is also important to get enough rest to allow muscles to recover.

Comparison of studies

Commonalities of studies

Many studies have shown that AAS abuse can have serious consequences for the body. In particular, side effects such as liver damage, heart disease, mental health problems, and hormonal imbalances have been consistently reported in multiple studies.

Differences of studies

Studies have reported different rates and severities of AAS side effects. This is thought to be influenced by factors such as the type of AAS, the dosage, the duration of use, and individual differences in body constitution. Also, studies have reported different effective measures for preventing and treating AAS side effects.

Precautions for applying research to real life

AAS abuse can have serious health consequences, so you should never take it lightly. People who are considering taking AAS for their muscle-building effects should carefully consider the risks. The side effects of AAS may not fully disappear even after discontinuing use. Also, the side effects of AAS can vary from person to person and can become severe. If you are considering taking AAS, consult your doctor.

Limitations of current research

There is still a lack of research on AAS abuse. In particular, there is a shortage of studies on the long-term effects of AAS. Also, the side effects of AAS can vary from person to person, and it is difficult to pinpoint the causes. Therefore, research on AAS abuse needs to continue.

Future research directions

Future research on AAS abuse should include the following: * Studies on the long-term effects of AAS * Studies on the mechanisms of AAS side effects * Development of effective treatments for AAS side effects * Studies on measures to prevent AAS abuse

Conclusion

AAS abuse can have serious consequences for the body, so you should never take it lightly. People who are considering taking AAS for their muscle-building effects should carefully consider the risks. The side effects of AAS may not fully disappear even after discontinuing use. Also, the side effects of AAS can vary from person to person and can become severe. If you are considering taking AAS, consult your doctor.