Severe Effects Of Steroids On Reproductive Organs

Synthetic form of male sex hormone testosterone is called steroid.
Consequently, use of steroids may have a severe side affect on the
reproductive system of both male and female and may affect fertility
permanently. The use of any steroid can lead to anabolic (tissue building) and
androgenic (masculinizing) effects.

More than 70 side effects of use of steroids have been identified till the date.
These side effects may range from liver cancer to acne. The most effected by
steroids are the liver, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Some side
effects like heart attack or stroke may not be recognized for a long time. On
the other side, side effects like stunted growth even remain unnoticed.

Steroid is used either in tablet form or by injection. However, the use of
injection forms of steroids involves the risk of infection in a case the needles
are shared. Thus, it carries the risk of contracting AIDS.

Often steroids is taken by sports people to increase their performance or
occupational users like bouncers, security personnel etc. to increase muscle
size and strength.

Effect of Steroids Use on the Male Fertility

Steroid use in men leads to enlargement of the prostrate gland and may
increase the chances of prostrate cancer. Besides these, it may lead to
accelerated male pattern hair loss.

Since steroids are synthetic form of testosterone, their effect on the
reproductive system is obvious. Supra physiological elevations of
testosterone are also the result of use of steroids.

Long time use of steroids in high doses results in hypogonadotrophic
hypogonadism, along with reduced serum elevations of LH and FSH and
testosterone.

Atrophy of the testes and decreased sperm cell production are caused by a
moderate reduction in gonadotropin secretion. It has been reported that
oligo, azoospermia and increased sperm cells have been identified in athletes
and thus resulting in a decreased fertility.

Steroids cessation will make gonadal functions normal within few months.
Also, changes in fertility that occur due to steroids use usually gets reverse
within few months. However, it may take some more time than usual in some
cases.

Effects of Steroids Use in the Female Fertility

In a normal female body, testosterones are produced in a small amount.
Similar to the males, synthetically elevated testosterones due to steroids use
can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The production and
release of LH and FSH get hampered due to increase in circulating
androgens. Consequently, serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogens and
progesterone are reduced. It may lead to the follicle formation, ovulation and
irregular menstrual cycle. Other side effects of steroids use in females include
increased sexual desire and clitoral hypertrophy.

However, steroids use by pregnant women may result in the slow growth of
female fetus. More adversely, it may even lead to fetal death.

Besides all these, if steroid is used during adolescence, then it may lead to
stunted growth. Condition of acne gets worsen with the use of steroids. Also,
the prolong use may produce long-term effects on fertility.



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