Britannica Sources used in this answer

How can anabolic steroid misuse affect fertility and heart health?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Steroid Many important physiological functions of vertebrates are controlled by steroid hormones.

The misuse of anabolic steroids poses significant risks to both cardiovascular health and reproductive function. It is essential to recognize that these substances can cause severe, long-term damage to the body.

Cardiovascular Health

Abuse of anabolic steroids is linked to serious heart-related conditions. Misuse can lead to coronary heart disease and hypertension. Furthermore, the use of these substances has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and myocardial infarction.123

Fertility and Reproductive Health

Anabolic steroids disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, leading to various reproductive disorders:

In Males: Misuse often results in testicular atrophy (shrinkage), a reduction in sperm production, and impotence.12
In Females: Users may experience menstrual cycle irregularities and irreversible masculinization.12

These effects underscore the dangerous nature of using these compounds outside of medically supervised treatments for conditions like hypogonadism or anemia.1