|
Drugs |
|
|
|
Health |
|
|
|
Articles |
|
|
|
Subscribe |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The male hormone, testosterone, is an anabolic
steroid. The effects of the other anabolic steroids
are often very similar to the effects of
testosterone.
The anabolic steroids can be used in
medicine to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after
surgery. They shouldn’t be confused with the other
main kind of steroids, corticosteroids, which are
used to treat other medical conditions, such as
asthma, eczema and skin inflammations.
|
_ |
 |
|
|
|
|
Roids. Product names include
Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar,
Stanozolol.
|
 |
-
Sports
enthusiasts claim steroids make them able to train
harder.
-
If
taken during a strict exercise regime, they can help
build muscle mass.
-
They
can also help users recover from strenuous exercise
faster.
There
are down sides:
-
A
user can quickly become psychologically dependent
(meaning you develop an increased desire to keep taking
the drug even in spite of possible harmful effects).
-
After
stopping, withdrawal symptoms can include headaches,
lethargy and depression.
|
|
 |
-
Users
claim the drug makes them feel more aggressive. Normally
calm people can become irritable and aggressive, or even
violent, and they can experience mood swings.
-
If
you're young, abuse of anabolic steroids can stop you
growing properly.
-
Injecting
any drug can cause vein damage, ulcers and gangrene
particularly with dirty needles. Shared needles and
other injecting works can help the spread of HIV and
hepatitis virus infections.
-
If
you're male, regular use can lead to erection problems,
growing of breasts, becoming sterile and developing
acne. It can also make your testicles shrink.
-
If
you're female, you can get acne, extra facial hair, a
deep voice, shrinking breasts, an enlarged clitoris, an
increased risk of menstrual problems and changes in sex
drive.
-
You
could experience dramatic mood swings.
-
You
may find that you start getting paranoid and confused,
along with having trouble sleeping.
-
Steroids
can also give you high blood pressure and increase your
risk of liver failure, stroke or heart attack.
|
|
|
Sex
on Steroids
Steroids
can make someone feel more sexually confident and boost sex
drive (and as a result they might be more likely to risk
getting or passing on HIV).
But steroids can also weaken a man’s sex drive and cause
erection problems. Balls may shrink as the body no longer
needs to make its own testosterone. Dick size isn’t
affected.
|
|
Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs to be sold only
by pharmacists with a doctor's prescription.
It's legal to possess or import steroids as long as they're
for personal use.
But possession or importing with intent to supply (which
includes giving them to friends) is illegal and could lead
to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
|
In
Gear
In gear is a gay man’s guide to steroids, a leaflet from
Camden PCT Good Sexual Health Team available in gay venues
or for a copy email goodsexualhealthteam@
camdenpct.nhs.uk
Talk To Frank
Drugs information web site
www.talktofrank.co.uk
Antidote
A London service for gay and bisexual men concerned
about their alcohol or drug use. Weekly drop-in,
one-to-one counselling, support groups and more.
Call 020 7287 8743 or go to www.thehungerford.org/antidote.asp
|
|
All content within the OUTinLondon Health section is provided
for general information only, and should not be treated as a
substitute for obtaining professional medical advice. OUTinLondon is not
responsible for the content of external internet sites listed,
nor does it endorse any commercial product or service
mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
Always
consult your own GP if you are in any way concerned about your
health.
|
|
|
|
|
