| Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and | | | | |
| are banned by most legitimate sports | | | | 3. Growth of breast tissue - this affects roughly |
| organizations. There can be no disputing the fact | | | | one third of male steroid users. It is caused by |
| that testosterone boosts the development of | | | | the conversion of some excess testosterone into |
| muscle mass and aids sporting performance. | | | | the female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually |
| Equally there is no doubt that its use can | | | | disappear when use of steroids ceases but in |
| adversely affect the health and wellbeing of users. | | | | some cases they are permanent and may require |
| | | | surgical removal. |
| The androgenic properties of testosterone can | | | | |
| affect the body in many ways but often users | | | | 4. Baldness and skin conditions - excess |
| see these as inconveniences that can be treated | | | | testosterone can be converted into DHT, a hair |
| by using other drugs. The most common side | | | | unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male |
| effects of testosterone supplementation include | | | | pattern baldness and oily skin. |
| the following: | | | | |
| | | | 5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result |
| 1. Testicle shrinkage - the body responds to | | | | from careless or incompetent injecting. |
| testosterone overload by reducing its own | | | | |
| production of the hormone. This causes the | | | | Some people have died as a result of steroid |
| testicles to shrink due to lack of use. When | | | | abuse and even those who adopt a careful, |
| steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again | | | | pragmatic approach have to accept that these |
| but they could take at least six months to return | | | | health risks are unavoidable. My advice is, follow |
| to normal size. | | | | the natural route and use nutritional supplements |
| | | | to boost the anabolic process.Richard Mitchell is |
| 2. Addiction - despite some users trying to | | | | the creator of the website that provides guidance |
| convince themselves otherwise, the use of | | | | and information to athletes at all levels of |
| steroids can result in physical and psychological | | | | bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice |
| addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe | | | | to learn more about the issues covered in this |
| with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido. | | | | article. |