The Effects Of Steroids On The Human Body

Athletes are always looking for a way to get ahead of their competition. Although, a lot of the athletes take this competitive edge to the next level, they end up hurting themselves or being suspended from the sport. Steroid abuse is a common problem in athletes no matter what level they are playing at. There are many kinds of steroids and all can have an effect on the body. Not only does it hurt their body, athletes also face other consequences from taking these steroids.
Steroids can be used in several different ways. “Some are taken orally; others are injected intramuscularly; and a few are contained in creams and gels that are rubbed into the skin” but injected steroids are the most commonly used by athletes today (Franci). Oral and creams are mostly used when prescribed by a doctor and if used correctly in a short amount of time they are not harmful to the body. A few steroids that are commonly used by athletes are …show more content…
Athletes may be seeing the results they want, but destroying themselves in the process. Some of the effects on the body cannot be reversed, meaning it is permanent and “disrupts the normal production of hormones in the body, causing both irreversible and reversible changes” (Adams). Steroid abuse can lead to short-term and long-term effects on the human body. Some short-term effects can be, “acne, mood swings, confusion, increased aggressiveness, and increased energy” (Franci). Some might think that the short-term effects are not that bad but those effects can lead up to the long-term effects. Some long-term effects are,” liver damage, permanent damage to the heart and kidneys, roid rage, baldness, reduced sperm productions”, and many more complications (Franci). “Some of the female athletes developed many male physical characteristics such as: low voices, facial hair, and male musculature” (Wells and Davidson). Not only do steroids ruin and hurt your body, they can also ruin your