The Signs of Steroid Use
In some cases, it’s hard to know whether a friend or family member is using steroids. It is important to watch for the signs of steroid use so that you can get them help if they need it. The physical and emotional side effects of steroid use can be serious.
Mood changes are often one of the first signs that someone is abusing steroids. A person may seem irritable, angry or agitated more frequently than usual. Mood changes are due to the spikes in testosterone that can occur with steroid abuse. Mood swings are also related to the changes in the hypothalamus area of the brain that can be caused by high doses of steroids.
If a loved one is taking steroids and you notice their moods are all over the place, this can be a sign that they are addicted to them. This addiction can cause them to neglect other aspects of their life, such as work or family. People who are addicted to steroids are prone to health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. They can also develop a dependence on them, which means they are physically and emotionally dependent on them and cannot function without them.
There are several other signs that you should keep an eye out for to see if someone is abusing steroids. They can include a build-up of body hair, especially on the face or shoulders. They may have acne or greasy skin, which is due to the steroids making the sebaceous glands produce too much oil. They can also become more bald or have a receding hairline.
Another indication is that they are building muscle mass more rapidly than normal. It takes a lot of time and effort for natural bodybuilders to build muscle mass, so it’s a sign that they are using steroids if they are getting huge muscles in the arms, back and chest faster than normal. Taking anabolic steroids is often a very expensive process, so if they are spending too much money on the drugs it’s likely because they are using them in large quantities.
Other symptoms that can indicate steroid use are a deepening of the voice, development of breast tissue in men or boys, and needle marks on the arms or legs. They might also have a noticeable odor from the steroids.
The biggest and most dangerous side effect of steroid use is on the liver. It can grow tumors or develop a condition called peliosis hepatis, where blood-filled cysts form on the liver. They can also damage the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Using steroids can also lead to osteoporosis in women, which is a condition that causes the bones to weaken and break easily. It can affect men and women of all ages, but it’s more common in older adults and is especially dangerous for teenagers. The best way to deal with this problem is to seek treatment, which will restore healthy hormonal balances and help you avoid the negative effects of steroid use.