Steroids are widely used in health care and for enhancing athletic performances. Unfortunately, they can cause severe health problems due to various negative side effects. Side effects of steroids can take place both within and outside the body and possibly will not be noticed until it is too late. There are potential side effects of steroids for both males and females. The harmful effects produced are in direct proportion to the effectiveness of the steroids. Some of the side effects do go away with time or after stopping the steroid use, whereas some may not.

The common external side effects of steroids include changes in skin and baldness. The skin is the area most prone to side effects, especially in the case of women. One of the most evident side effects of steroids is the pores in the skin becoming larger, as a result of which the skin becomes rough. Another major side effect is acne. Existing acne may become more noticeable and worse and if there is no acne, it might appear for the first time. Although there is some disagreement on this point, many contend that steroid use is also linked to accelerated balding.

Steroids can also adversely affect human mind and behavior. The intake of high dosages of steroids, over a prolonged period, leads to increased anxiety and depression and sometimes exceptionally violent behavior in both men and woman. Other side effects of steroids include high blood pressure, headaches, heart diseases, liver and kidney problems, different types of cancers, urinary problems, increase in water retention in the skin and blood, sleeping disorders, weakening of the immune system, reduced sperm count, development of breasts in males, impotence, increased facial and body hair and enlarged clitorises, as well as menstrual problems in women.