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What if you train hard, eat healthily, and take anabolic steroids to increase your muscle mass? Instead of just seeing the desired results, you might find yourself in a bizarre world of unexpected side effects.
We all know what these substances can do for strength and muscle growth, but what happens when the effects take on a life of their own?
Here is a top 10 list of some of the most bizarre and unsettling side effects ever reported with the use of anabolic steroids:
Due to the effect of steroids on the endocrine system and protein synthesis in the body, their use can lead to organ hypertrophy and significant health risks. Well-known bodybuilders such as Andreas Münzer and Rich Piana faced unusual increases in organ size and ultimately death.
Andreas Münzer, a famous Austrian bodybuilder, aimed for the ultimate physique. After his death in 1996, the autopsy revealed the bizarre effects of his steroid use. His liver weighed two kilos and contained multiple tumors, some as large as ping-pong balls. These tumors were the result of prolonged exposure to anabolic steroids, which had stimulated uncontrolled cell growth. Additionally, Münzer's heart and kidneys were severely damaged, contributing to his premature death.
Rich Piana, a well-known figure in the bodybuilding community, was famous for his massive physique, outspoken personality, and candid discussions about steroid use. His premature death in 2017 shocked many and drew attention to the potential dangers associated with extreme bodybuilding practices.
Piana collapsed on August 7, 2017, in his home in Florida and was placed in a medically induced coma. He remained in the coma for over two weeks before passing away on August 25, 2017, at the age of 46. The official cause of death was ruled as heart disease, but the autopsy revealed that Piana's heart and liver were significantly enlarged. His heart, in particular, was described as "twice the average size for a man of his stature." Additionally, the autopsy report noted the presence of "significant" liver damage, a common side effect of chronic steroid abuse.
One of the most devastating effects of prolonged anabolic steroid use is the risk of a ruptured aorta, a life-threatening condition where the main artery of the heart tears due to weakened vessel walls.
A tragic example of this can be found in the story of Jo Lindner, also known as Joesthetics. Jo, a popular fitness influencer and bodybuilder, was known for his impressive physique and openness about steroid use. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price for using these substances. His death shocked the fitness community. Jo died from a ruptured aorta, a condition strongly associated with long-term steroid use.
Another well-known case is that of Jón Páll Sigmarsson, a legendary Icelandic strongman and four-time winner of the World's Strongest Man competition. Sigmarsson was known for his extraordinary strength and charismatic personality. Sadly, he also died young from a ruptured aorta. Although there is no direct confirmation that his death was caused by anabolic steroids, it is believed that the use of such substances contributed to his tragic end.
One of the most well-known side effects is the development of breast tissue in men due to hormonal imbalances. This was even described in ancient Greek texts, where athletes used concoctions to enhance their performance but experienced unwanted effects, such as gynecomastia.
Anabolic steroids are derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. When these steroids are taken, they can disrupt the hormonal balance by suppressing the natural production of testosterone while simultaneously increasing estrogen production. This happens because anabolic steroids can be converted into estrogens in the body, leading to breast growth as a result.
Testicular atrophy, also known as shrinking of the testicles, is a well-known side effect of prolonged anabolic steroid use. The use of these substances can lead to disruptions in the natural hormonal balance, specifically suppressing the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. These hormones are essential for the normal functioning of the testicles and testosterone production. As a result of this hormonal disruption, the testicles can decrease in size and shrink to the size of a pea. This can obviously lead to infertility and reduced sexual function.
Roid rage, also known as steroid rage, is a phenomenon where people who use anabolic steroids exhibit sudden and extreme mood swings and aggression. It is attributed to the influence of anabolic steroids on the central nervous system and the brain. Anabolic steroids can affect serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and emotion. The use of steroids can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, leading to mood disorders such as irritability, outbursts of anger, and aggressive behavior.
Anabolic steroids can lead to abnormal growth of facial features, such as the jaw, especially with prolonged use or high doses. This effect is particularly noticeable in women, who can develop masculine facial features due to steroid use.
A well-known example of these changes is the East German athlete Heidi Krieger, who was unknowingly doped with anabolic steroids by her trainers in the 1980s. The heavy doses of steroids given to Krieger resulted in dramatic physical changes, including a more masculine jawline and facial structure. Ultimately, Krieger underwent gender reassignment surgery and took the name Andreas Krieger, a decision influenced in part by the irreversible changes caused by the steroids.
In the modern bodybuilding world, there are also examples of female bodybuilders who have developed masculine facial features due to anabolic steroid use. Although many choose to keep their identity private, the phenomenon is well-documented and widely known in the community.
Immunosuppression from anabolic steroids occurs because these substances disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance. Steroids affect the production and function of various immune cells, such as white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and diseases. When the immune system is suppressed, the body's ability to effectively combat pathogens is reduced, leading to an increased risk of infections.
When flesh-eating bacteria, for example, infect an immunocompromised person, these bacteria can spread rapidly and cause severe tissue loss. Once in the body, these bacteria can release toxins that break down and kill tissue, leading to symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, redness, and fever. Without prompt medical intervention, necrotizing fasciitis can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and ultimately death.
Anabolic steroids can cause severe psychiatric side effects, including depression, anxiety, and even psychotic episodes. These side effects can lead to devastating consequences for those who abuse these substances.
One of the most notorious cases is that of American wrestler Chris Benoit, who murdered his wife and son in 2007 before committing suicide. Although no direct causal link has been established between his actions and anabolic steroid use, it is widely believed that his steroid use exacerbated his mental instability and drove him to these acts.
Hair loss is a potential side effect of anabolic steroid use, especially in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Anabolic steroids can disrupt the hormonal balance and increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for accelerating hair loss in men with a predisposition to baldness.
One of the most common skin problems associated with anabolic steroid use is severe acne, often referred to as "steroid acne." This form of acne is due to increased sebum (oil) production by the sebaceous glands, stimulated by high levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body. This overproduction of sebum can clog pores, leading to the formation of pimples, cysts, and inflammation. Steroid acne can occur on various parts of the body, but is most common on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. In severe cases, large, painful cysts can form, which are not only cosmetically distressing but can also lead to scarring and permanent skin damage.
Better count to 10 before you start using anabolic steroids. Unless you're a professional willing to take the risk, it's better to opt for natural alternatives.
