Steroids
Steroids are becoming an increasingly bigger problem among same sex attracted youth. Problems with body image, the need for more energy to party on the scene, have created excess pressure on young people who have turned to steroids as a solution.
Anabolic steroids are artificial versions of testosterone, the hormone that is responsible for making most males generally larger, stronger and hairier than females. It is also the reason why males in general have deeper voices than females. Both males and females have testosterone in their bodies, the only difference being that overall, males have more than females.
Some steroids come in tablet form, while others are injected into muscle. Some anabolic steroids may be fake, labelled incorrectly or produced for use on animals. Some names of steroids which are made for use on animals are boldebal-H, nandrabolin, spectriol, drive, stanabol and stanozolol.
Health effects
It is important for people who resort to steroids to know of the many side effects associated with their use. Not all people will experience these side effects to the same degree. As with any drug, people react differently. The possible side effects are many and varied.
Possible effects include:
- jaundice
- permanent liver damage
- liver tumours
- diabetes
- acne
- heart problems
- high cholesterol levels
- depression
- improved self esteem
- mood swings
- violent or aggressive behaviour
- paranoia
Among males a number of other problems have been reported:
- development of breast tissue
- infertility, increased libido
- decrease in the size of the testicles
- decreased sperm production
- baldness
Females have found other problems:
- increase in body hair
- effects on the unborn child if taken during pregnancy
- problems with menstruation
- enlarged clitoris
- permanent deep voice