How “Enhancement” Hurts: Exploring the Real Impact of Anabolic Steroids

Aidan McCartin

Professor Horgan

HST 401-A Seminar in Science Writing

12 December 2023

How “Enhancement” Hurts: Exploring the Real Impact of Anabolic Steroids

 

    Anabolic steroids, often celebrated for quick muscle gains, do more than just build muscles. They affect both the body and the mind in intricate ways. This research investigates how these steroids impact us in the short and long run, examining their effects on the body's functions and how they influence our thinking and emotions. Understanding these effects goes beyond their surface benefits, revealing how changes in our bodies can affect our mental well-being.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body, particularly its role in promoting the growth of muscles and enhancing masculine traits. These steroids come in various forms, including pills, injections, and topical creams, and are commonly used by athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals aiming to improve their physical appearance or athletic performance.

Furthermore, these steroids have effects on the body other than just muscular gain. They have the power to alter the body's metabolism, resulting in a rise in red blood cell synthesis and improved oxygen supply to muscles, hence enhancing endurance during physical activities. Anabolic steroids may have an effect on hormone levels and upset the body's normal hormonal balance. This could then negatively impact one's physical and mental health.

Although using anabolic steroids can help with muscle growth and performance improvement, there are risks involved and potential negative consequences. Abuse of these substances for an extended period of time can result in a number of health concerns, such as liver damage, infertility, mood swings, and aggression. Abruptly stopping the usage of anabolic steroids after extensive use can result in withdrawal symptoms, which exacerbates the effects of the drug on the body and mind.

Short-term psychological effects of anabolic steroids often involve a range of immediate changes that can impact mood and behavior. Initially, users might experience heightened aggression, commonly referred to as "roid rage." This abrupt surge in aggression can lead to irritability, impulsivity, and even violent outbursts in some individuals. Additionally, feelings of increased self-confidence and euphoria may occur, contributing to a distorted sense of invincibility. These psychological shifts, while intense, might not be uniform across all users, as individual responses to steroids can vary significantly. However, the short-term alterations in mood and behavior often pose immediate challenges, influencing interpersonal relationships and potentially leading to risky behaviors.

On the contrary, anabolic steroids' long-term psychological effects may show more consistent patterns. Extended use may intensify violent tendencies and worsen mood swings, resulting in long-lasting behavioral changes. Some people who deal with the fallout from long-term steroid use may exhibit persistent irritation, anxiety, or even depression. Moreover, a condition called "body dysmorphia" may occur, in which people develop an obsession with their looks and believe that they are always not enough, even in spite of significant muscle growth. These long-lasting psychological impacts underline the complex and long-lasting implications of long-term steroid usage on mental health. They can strain relationships, impair daily functioning, and harm personal well-being (APEDs).

 

Short-term use of anabolic steroids can trigger various immediate physical effects. Initially, individuals might experience a rapid increase in muscle mass, strength, and endurance due to heightened protein synthesis. These steroids can lead to fluid retention, causing bloating or puffiness in the face, along with potential acne breakouts and oily skin.

On the flip side, using anabolic steroids over time can have serious and far-reaching bodily impacts. Long-term steroid use increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of heart-related issues and poses serious hazards to cardiovascular health. These drugs can also have a negative effect on the liver, resulting in problems such as jaundice, liver tumors, or a higher chance of liver damage (APEDs). The hormone balance of the body may also be upset by the use of steroids, which might have negative consequences like male testicle shrinkage or female menstrual cycle irregularities. Long-term use can also cause rapid skeletal maturation in teenagers, which can limit growth, and increase the risk of tendon injuries.

Teenage usage of anabolic steroids is still common because of a number of related factors. A concerning amount from a new study shows that about 1 in 20 teenagers have tried anabolic steroids (Salmassi). The fact that the median age for initiating consumption of these substances is as low as 17, which highlights the importance of early exposure to these substances, is especially significant. Surprisingly, this phenomenon isn't confined to athletes alone; it's equally widespread among non-athletes, suggesting a broader societal influence. The widespread influence of social media is a key contributing factor to this tendency. 

Anabolic steroids also play a vital role in hormonal therapy among teenagers transitioning. These steroids are used in medical contexts for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which treats deficits and imbalances in hormones.  For transgender men, anabolic steroids such as testosterone are prescribed to induce masculine secondary sexual characteristics. These steroids play a pivotal role in aligning an individual's physical appearance with their gender identity during the transitioning process.

The life expectancy of anabolic steroid users presents a stark contrast to non-users, revealing concerning trends. Research from 2014 highlighted a staggering statistic: around 80% of steroid users start using before the age of 30, typically driven by the pursuit of rapidly building lean muscle mass (Bonnecaze). What's particularly troubling is the drastic impact this decision has on their life expectancy. In the pre-steroid era, bodybuilders who refrained from steroid usage exhibited an average lifespan of 81 years, indicating a considerably longer and healthier life compared to steroid-users.

Steroid users lived far shorter lives, with an average lifespan of only 52 years. This substantial difference highlights the detrimental effects of steroids on life expectancy. Even more alarming is the fact that 65% of steroid users died before the age of 50 (Bonnecaze). Compared to those who did not use steroids who often lived longer. The surprising fact that 25% of steroid users died in their 30s highlights how dangerous and fatal it can be to use these substances for an extended period of time. 

The lives of legendary bodybuilders Rich Piana and Ronnie Coleman have been impacted by anabolic steroids, illustrating the terrible toll that these substances can take on one's health. Even though these are extreme examples, they highlight how important it is to draw attention to the negative effects that anabolic steroid misuse may have on one's health. Rich Piana, a prominent figure in the bodybuilding world, openly discussed his extensive use of steroids to achieve his massive physique. Unfortunately, there was a serious price to pay for this quest of an idealized figure. Piana's years of steroid misuse were the direct cause of several health issues he experienced, such as kidney failure and heart problems. His life was plagued by health problems that ultimately caused his early death in 2017 at the age of 46  where he was found surrounded by 20 bottles of anabolic steroids. This makes him a devastating example of the terrible effects of long-term steroid use.

 

In a comparable way, eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman had unmatched success in bodybuilding. However, the heavy use of anabolic steroids he endured during his extraordinary career had a toll on his health. Coleman underwent multiple surgeries, including numerous spinal operations, to address the severe damage created by years of intense training and steroid use. His body, which was once the pinnacle of dominance and achievement, is now a moving example of the physical consequences of overuse of steroids. Coleman's health issues had a huge impact on his post-competitive life and served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of steroid use in the name of physical perfection, despite his commitment and success in the bodybuilding world.

 

Despite the fact that anabolic steroids are banned if not prescribed, bodybuilders frequently use them. For those with clinically low testosterone levels, some turn to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). However, bodybuilders often leverage TRT to optimize their testosterone levels, aiding in muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance enhancement. Drug testing isn't regularly done in major bodybuilding federations, so competitors can use performance-enhancing drugs without worrying about the consequences. It's important to remember, that although these drugs may be used more openly in some bodybuilding communities, they are still forbidden in professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, Olympics, and others. If detected using anabolic steroids or other comparable substances, athletes who compete in these leagues risk harsh penalties, such as suspensions and bans, due to strict anti-doping regulations.

In conclusion, looking closely at anabolic steroids shows they have both immediate and lasting effects on our bodies and minds. In the short term, they bring fast changes, like enhanced muscle growth and mood swings. But in the long run, they can cause serious problems, like heart risks, hormonal imbalances, and shortened lifespans. These drugs affect not just our bodies but also our emotions and thoughts. It's crucial to understand all these impacts before choosing to use them. Knowing the big picture helps us make smarter choices for our health, pushing us to aim for healthier ways to reach our physical goals while taking care of our mental and physical well-being. It's a reminder that it's better to focus on staying healthy for the long haul instead of seeking quick changes that might harm us in the end.

Work Cited

“Anabolic Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs).” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 27 Sept. 2023.​

“Anabolic Steroids: Uses, Abuse, and Side Effects.” WebMD, WebMD, Accessed 21 Nov. 2023. ​

Bonnecaze, Alex K. Characteristics and Attitudes of Men Using Anabolic ... - Sage Journals, 14 Dec. 2020, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1557988320966536. 

“Anabolic Steroids.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Accessed 21 Nov. 2023. ​

“Department of Health.” Anabolic Steroids and Sports: Winning at Any Cost, Accessed 22 Nov. 2023. ​

Salmassi, Mithra. “Five Percent of Teens Use Steroids to Increase Muscle.” Partnership to End Addiction, Dec. 2012.