We can thank the media and legislators for bringing the risk of anabolic steroid side effects to the forefront. Despite the exaggeration of the risks of using these drugs, steroids can still pose problems for users. Keep in mind that the risk of developing side effects is usually in proportion to the length of the steroid cycles and the size of the stacks being followed. To keep things clear we've separated the potential side effects into those experienced by men, women, and teenagers.

Men Despite steroids being derived from the male sex hormone, testosterone, males who use these drugs may ironically develop the feminizing side effect, gynecomastia. Also called bitch tits, this condition is recognized by a swelling of the nipple region to the point that it may take on the appearance of female breasts! This unsightly condition occurs because one of the breakdown products of steroids and testosterone is the female hormone estrogen. And as males also have estrogen receptors the elevated estrogen levels may start producing female like effects - including gynecomastia - in men's bodies.

Although this is probably the most severe cosmetic effect, there are others including

" Reduced sperm count

" Impotence

" Development of breasts

" Shrinking of the testicles " Difficulty or pain while urinating

Women It's not surprising that women who take the drugs may develop masculinizing anabolic steroid side effects. After all steroids are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. These include the following:

" Facial hair growth

" Deepened voice

" Breast reduction

" Menstrual cycle changes

" Clitoral enlargement

Both sexes When individuals stay on extended steroid cycles, the risk of developing side effects increases. Both sexes can experience the following, which range from the merely ugly and unsightly to the life-threatening. They include:

" Acne

" Water retention

" Rapid weight gain

" Clotting disorders

" Liver enzyme irregularities

" Elevated cholesterol levels

" Tendon damage from proportionally stronger muscles

" Mood swings

Teenagers No discussion on steroid side effects would be complete without mentioning teenage usage of these drugs. Anabolic steroids can pose several serious health issues to teens. These drugs have been known to fuse the growth centers (epiphyseal plates) in teenagers bones; and once closed they cannot reopen. The end result is that the adolescent may end up shorter than his or her natural genetic height. Steroids have also been linked to severe mood swings. This could have severe repercussions as the teenage years are naturally marked by fluctuations in moods. Although not proven, there have been a few cases where the usage of steroids may have contributed to the suicide of a few teens. It's because of the previous anabolic steroid side effects that teenagers should under no circumstances use these drugs.

Addiction? Despite the limited evidence, it is possible that steroids may cause addiction. Some studies suggests that heavy users of anabolic steroids may experience some of the classic symptoms of addiction including uncontrollable cravings, difficulty in terminating usage, and withdrawal symptoms. For many users of these drugs, coming off the "juice" can be very traumatic as they begin to lose their esteem building muscular size and strength. This loss of a key component of their identity can leave them suffering many of the same symptoms and side effects as those using common street drugs. Side effect free! Wouldn't it be great if there were supplements available that produced steroid-like muscle-building effects without side effects? Well guess what - there is! They are called steroid alternatives and they are fast becoming the choice of bodybuilders everywhere. Users report steroid-like gains in muscular size and strength without side effects. You owe it to yourself to check them out today! Bob Howard 4/14/2006

Bob Howard 4/15/2006