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09/04/09
When it comes to a discussion on the usual side effects of the use of anabolic steroids, we all know the usual suspects. If you take strong orals for a prolonged amount of time, you run the risk of liver and kidney damage. Most steroids (of the stronger variety) lead to outbreaks of Gynecomastia, a hardening of the tissue beneath the nipple. Acne is commonly faced by users, the result of oily skin made worse by the AAS. If you have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, the use of anabolic steroids will accelerate the onset of this condition by a decade or more. These side effects are well-known, commonly discussed, and should come as no surprise to users who have done their homework on the drugs they are considering taking. However, there are some additional ailments suffered by users of steroids that aren’t normally discussed, but which should be understood by users so that there are no surprises, when the user is 8 weeks into a cycle. Let’s examine some of these potential side effects.
Long-term HPTA dysfunction
As you may already know, from the first injection of your first steroid, you are stifling your body’s natural ability to deliver the signal to the testes to produce testosterone. Most users just plan on running 3 weeks of Clomid or some other post-cycle therapy system to restore their body’s testosterone production and sperm count. However, due to genetics and longer cycles, there will be instances when the T production does not return as scheduled. Many men spend years trying to restore this natural production. It’s rare but complete shutdown on a permanent basis does occur among long-term users of heavy androgens.
Edema
Most steroids will lead to a great deal of water retention. Some bodybuilders dislike it, but most will embrace it. While you do lose some vascularity and your muscles are less visible, you also gain a great deal of strength and size, with the added water weight. One must be careful not to allow the excessive water weight to remain present for too long, or the risk of edema can set it. Long-term accumulation of water beneath the skin can lead to blood vessel bursts and a wealth of other health problems. Blow up like a balloon once or twice per year, then get back to a healthy weight.
Depression
Most steroid discussions focus upon the physical effects of the drugs upon the body. However, the mental effects of AAS are often overlooked. The reality is that an incredible change occurs when the male cycles off AAS. Estrogen levels spike as testosterone levels plummet. The result is a psyche very much different from the starting point. Strong and confident men can suddenly turn into emotional wrecks, which can have long-lasting negative effects upon career, family and more. Many PCT regimens will correct this imbalance, but incidents can happen in the meantime when the depression is still present. Treatment of depression can range from self-help books, to counseling, to medication. Be especially cautious of drug interactions that may occur with these medications. Many are MAOI inhibitors which may cause dangerous interactions with steroids. Don’t deceive your doctor who may be prescribing them, by hiding your AAS usage. The results could be deadly!
