Adverse Effects
AAS are known to affect the reproductive system in both men and women. They can also harm other parts of the body and are linked to a higher risk of death. Hover over each section to learn more...
Mental Health and Behaviour Mood disorders like depression and mania are more common in people who use AAS, but it’s not clear if these problems were there before using AAS or caused by them. While using AAS, people may act aggressively or have manic or overly energetic behavior. After stopping AAS, many users go through tough withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.
Addiction About one-third of men who use AAS may become dependent on them, and withdrawal symptoms are very common after stopping. These symptoms can include tiredness, low sex drive, low mood, and weakness. Some of these symptoms are caused by low sex hormone levels, but there may be other reasons too. There hasn't been much research on withdrawal symptoms specific to women. Sometimes, the withdrawal symptoms can be so bad that people start using AAS again. Right now, there is no approved treatment for AAS dependence or withdrawal. For those who seek help in a medical setting, the most common approach is to wait until the symptoms go away on their own. More research is needed to help people who stop using AAS.
Risk of Infection Many AAS are injected, which can put users at risk of blood-borne viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, and C. People who use AAS have a higher chance of getting these viruses compared to the general population. Injecting AAS can also lead to infections or injuries at the injection site. In the UK, there are free and confidential needle and syringe exchange programs (NSP) where people can get clean needles and safely dispose of used ones.
Voice deepening*
Breast Shrinkage
Irregular Menstruation Infertility Enlarged clitoris* While using AAS, women may have irregular periods, grow extra hair, experience smaller breasts, have an enlarged clitoris, get acne, become infertile, and notice their voice getting deeper. It's not clear how long these symptoms last after stopping AAS, and some changes, like an enlarged clitoris and a deeper voice, may not fully go away.
High Blood Pressure Enlarged Heart Raised cholesterol Using AAS increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. They can also affect cholesterol levels and raise blood pressure, both of which are important risk factors for heart disease. AAS use can also change the structure of the heart and make it harder for the heart to work properly.
Liver AAS can harm the liver, especially the oral form of the drug, which has been chemically changed (alkylated). While using AAS, liver enzymes may increase, though this can also happen after exercise without using AAS. AAS use can also lead to fatty liver (liver steatosis).
Acne
Excess Hair growth*
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*Potentially irreversible