What are the long-term effects of taking Anabolic Steroids?
Long-term use may inhibit natural testosterone in men (characterised by impotence and shrinking of the testicles) and may promote masculinisation in women causing baldness, loss of periods, etc. These side effects can take a long time to revert to normal. Steroids may increase cholesterol and/or blood pressure and after long periods of use, this may result in heart attacks and strokes. Permanent liver damage and liver tumours can also occur. The psychiatric effects include severe depression, mood swings or violence. Sequelae of these include assaults, crime and in some cases suicide.
