The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

Adverse Effects of Anabolic SteroidsThe use of anabolic steroids is strongly associated with numerous undesirableeffects, many of which may not be predictable on the basis of the dose or frequency withwhich they are used. These potentially dangerous substances are usually taken withoutsupervision, although this is illegal, and there have been many reports of serious illness ordeaths resulting from their use. AAS may falsely increase the perception of strength andcause an individual to lift heavier weights than he should. This often results in torn muscleand ruptured tendons, in particular tears of the biceps and deltoids, because the strength ofmuscles increases more rapidly than the strength of tendons. The immune system maybe impaired, but this abnormality may not be detected until after its use. Importantly,transmission of hepatitis B and AIDS can occur from needle or drug sharing. Variouscancers have also been associated with AAS use. Liver, cardiovascular, hormonal,reproductive and nervous systems are most affected, but other systems may also beadversely affected.The most frequently reported negative effects are listed in Table 13-2. Many ofthese are reversible when steroids are discontinued, but some can be permanent orirreversible. If used in young athletes, these agents limit final height because of the earlytermination of bone growth. Clearly, the health risks far outweigh any benefits anabolicsteroids may confer. The most common problem includes liver dysfunction. This seriousmedical problem occurs frequently in users of oral AAS and causes jaundice. Peliosishepatitis, a condition where blood filled cysts develop within the liver, has also beenreported.The cardiovascular effects of AAS in men and women include high blood pressure,increases in serum cholesterol concentration and serum LDL (the bad cholesterol), and adecrease in serum HDL (the good cholesterol). Heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in thelungs have also been reported in AAS users.The hormonal effects of AAS use in the male include decreased natural testosteroneproduction, decreased sperm count, production of abnormal sperm and shrinkage of thetestes. Breast tissue enlargement is also common, as are acne, glucose intolerance, andbaldness. Women AAS users have slightly different hormonal responses, includingthickening of the vocal cords with resultant deepening of voice, male pattern baldness,facial hair growth and enlargement of the clitoris, all of which are irreversible. Breast tissueshrinkage, menstrual irregularities, infertility, glucose intolerance and acne are alsocommon in women who use AAS.Perhaps the most significant short-term adverse effects are the psychologic changesassociated with AAS use. For both men and women AAS users, increased aggression, ragereactions (“roid rage”), altered libido, anxiety and panic disorders, psychosis(“bodybuilder’s psychosis”), depression, mania and addiction have been noted. Again,these effects are undesirable for tasks required by SEALs. It is extremely important to notethat:Many of the side effects may causeThe Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 225