EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON HEALTH: AN ANALYSIS OF INDISCRIMINATE USE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61164/vtpyya97Keywords:
Anabolic Steroids, Physiological Effects , Psychological Effects, Indiscriminate UseAbstract
Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS) are synthetic substances derived from testosterone and are widely used in medicine to treat conditions such as hypogonadism, anemia, and muscle mass loss; however, the indiscriminate use of these substances for aesthetic purposes and physical performance enhancement has become an increasingly common practice among young individuals, gym-goers, and amateur and professional athletes. This study aims to describe the adverse effects of the non-therapeutic use of anabolic steroids by detailing their psychological and physiological effects, as well as analyzing the causes and factors that influence and stimulate the indiscriminate use of these substances. The methodology consists of documentary research based on the analysis and interpretation of technical reports, scientific articles, institutional documents, and official data published between 2014 and 2025, using sources such as SciELO, PubMed, ANVISA, Google Scholar, and the Federal Police (Farmonitor). The results indicate that although AAS may promote significant gains in muscle mass, strength, and tissue recovery, their abusive use is associated with cardiovascular, hepatic, endocrine, and reproductive alterations, in addition to neuropsychiatric dysfunctions such as depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, and dependence. The study demonstrates that the use of these substances without medical supervision constitutes a significant public health problem, requiring awareness-raising actions and stricter and more effective regulatory control policies, and it is concluded that the physiological and psychological risks far outweigh the aesthetic and performance-related benefits, reinforcing the need for preventive education and rigorous oversight of the consumption and commercialization of these substances.
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