What are the side effects of synthetic metabolic steroid powders abuse?

Abusing synthetic metabolic steroid powders can produce a range of side effects, varying from mild to harmful or even life-threatening effects. Most of these effects are reversible if the user stops taking the drug. However, for some, they may be permanent or semi-permanent.

Most of the data on the long-term effects of synthetic metabolic steroid powders on humans come from case reports rather than formal epidemiological studies. Severe and life-threatening adverse reactions may be underestimated, especially since they may occur years later. A review found 19 deaths in case reports related to synthetic metabolic steroid powders use published between 1990 and 2012; however, many steroid users also used other drugs, making it difficult to prove that the use of synthetic metabolic steroids caused these deaths. An animal study found that exposing male mice to steroid powders doses equivalent to those taken by human athletes for one-fifth of their lifespan resulted in a high frequency of early death.

Cardiovascular System

Steroid use has been associated with hypertension, ventricular dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, arterial damage, and strokes, even in athletes under 30 years old. steroid powders partly promote the development of cardiovascular disease by increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. High LDL and low HDL levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a disease where fatty substances deposit in the arteries and disrupt blood flow. If blood flow is blocked to the heart or brain, the result may be a heart attack or stroke, respectively. Steroids also increase the risk of clot formation in blood vessels, which can disrupt blood flow and damage the myocardium, making it unable to effectively pump blood.

The endocrine system

The use of steroid powders can disrupt normal hormone production in the body. Reversible changes include a decrease in sperm production leading to a reduction in testosterone levels and testicular atrophy (testicular shrinkage) with decreased testicular function (gonadal dysfunction). Irreversible changes include male pattern baldness and the development of male breasts (gynecomastia). Synthetic metabolic steroids may also act on the hormone system, increasing the risk of testicular cancer, especially when steroids are used in combination with insulin-like growth factor.

In females, the use of synthetic metabolic steroid powders can cause masculinization. Specifically, breast size and body fat decrease, the skin becomes rough, and the voice deepens. Women may experience excessive growth of body hair but hair loss on the scalp. With continued administration of steroids, some of these effects become irreversible. It is widely believed that synthetic metabolic steroids can cause irreversible enlargement of the clitoris in women, although there is no research on this.

Many individuals who inject synthetic metabolic steroid powders may use non-sterile injection techniques or share contaminated needles with other users. This puts these steroid users at risk for life-threatening viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In addition, animal models have shown that synthetic metabolic steroids can suppress the immune system, which may exacerbate infections.

Liver

steroid powders abuse is associated with liver damage, tumors, and a rare condition called peliosis hepatis, in which the liver forms cysts filled with blood. Cysts can rupture, causing internal bleeding and, in rare cases, even death.

Musculoskeletal system

Elevated levels of testosterone and other sex hormones typically trigger a growth spurt during puberty and adolescence. These continually rising testosterone levels also provide a signal to stop growth. When children or adolescents take synthetic metabolic steroid powders, the artificially high levels of sex hormones produced may prematurely signal the bones to stop growing.

There is evidence to suggest that weightlifters who abuse synthetic metabolic steroids have stiffer tendons, which may increase the risk of tendon injury.

Skin

steroid powders abuse can lead to acne, scalp hair loss, cysts, and oily hair and skin. Users who inject steroids may also experience pain and the formation of abscesses at the injection site.

Due to liver damage, synthetic metabolic steroid powders can also cause jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Therefore, the use of steroids should be done under medical advice and guidance from a professional.