The good and bad of steroids

Steroids and the side effects of steroids have carved out a permanent place in the collective consciousness of America, whether it is through news stories about professional athletes or a legitimate treatment of a patient with any number of ailments. Steroids, and the side effects of steroids, have a terrible reputation in the minds of sports fans everywhere. Professional athletes frequently do not consider the side effects of steroids in their quest to increase performance. Experts frequently cite the side effects of steroids as a major issue in sports. Fans may not like the idea of their favorite athletes using steroids, but the side effects of steroids are more serious than an athlete having a tarnished reputation. There are legitimate uses for steroids, as well, and the side effects of steroids are just as serious in those cases.

Professional athletes that use steroids, and completely ignore the dangerous side effects of steroids, set a terrible example for younger athletes. In many cases, professional athletes put their athletic performance ahead of any concern about the dangers of the side effects of steroids. The side effects of steroids range from minor to very serious, and for young athletes the side effects of steroids include stunting growth. The relatively minor side effects of steroids might actually be enough to deter many students from using the drug because they include negative side effects of steroids that affect their image: increased acne, more oily skin, and increased body hair. The more serious side effects of steroids are much scarier.

These side effects of steroids include an increased risk of heart disease or liver disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, glaucoma, and an increased risk of cancer. Despite these incredible side effects of steroids, many athletes of all levels continue to use them. Athletes think that they can just use the drug a little bit and gain an edge over their competition. The side effects of steroids are forgotten. Many athletes start to increase their usage once they see the positive effects in their athletic performance, and they continue to increase their usage until some of the side effects of steroids start to appear. The higher the usage, the sooner and the more severe the side effects of steroids will be. Sadly, in some cases the medical damage from the side effects of steroids has already occurred when the user realizes what is happening. In some cases, a psychological issue will prevent the user from admitting that they are experiencing side effects of steroids.

Not all of the above negative side effects of steroids mean that steroids are always a bad option, even with the known side effects of steroids. They can help treat several conditions, decreasing inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and lupus. Steroids can be used to treat asthma, to lessen joint and ligament pain, and to help with skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. Considering the side effects of steroids in these legitimate situations is critically important. Doctors sometimes prescribe steroids to patients who are suffering from HIV, cancer, or other diseases that have decreased body strength. In the treatment of these diseases, the risk of the side effects of steroids is worth taking because a doctor is monitoring the use of the steroids. Doctors understand the side effects of steroids much better and are better qualified to make decisions about usage. They will often weigh the risk of the side of effects of steroids against the benefit it may provide.

Though steroids can be used to treat many ailments, it is important to remember that the side effects of steroids can be serious. Following a doctor's prescription is essential. Even after just a short exposure to the drugs, the side effects of steroids can appear. These include reduced bone density, diabetes, premature heart attacks, and an overall lessening of the strength of the immune system. The side effects of steroids are very serious and worth considering before taking steroids for any reason.

Many people have legitimate reasons for using steroids and should carefully consider taking them as a doctor recommends; however, athletes simply wanting to increase strength and endurance should not take steroids for any reason. It is illegal and the side effects of steroids are exceptionally dangerous to your health. Although many professional athletes have used steroids, the side effects of steroids are serious enough that no one should consider using them.