Immune system changes in relation to anabolic steroid use and abuse. Many of the standard steroid side effects are listed in steroid online forums, steroid profiles, anabolic steroid research guides, and outside the bodybuilding and steroid community, both the media and medical establishment. The general steroid side effects will be listed here before targeting in on discussion of one particular steroid side effect. All of the following are assumed as being “normal” steroid doses which are associated with the combined practice of anabolic steroid use and bodybuilding.

Steroid side effects which are typically listed are the follwing:

The common steroid side effects that tend to be reported are: acne, balding, liver damage, gynocomastia (or “bitch tits”), high cholesterol, increased aggression (or “roid rage”), kidney damage, stunted growth, testicle shrinkage, and there are some other steroid side effects, not listed as often, one of those are effects on the immune system.

There have been studies conducted showing steroids do have an effect on our immune systems. Whether a profound effect is to be experienced, or a more minor immune system effect is to occur, is based on a variety of factors such as the steroid compound being used, the amount or dose of the anabolic steroid, and the length to which the anabolic steroid is taken.

For instance steroids such as testosterone have been shown to possibly suppress the immune system, while other steroids, like Deca, can have possible stimulating effects on the immune system. Both such compounds though, have been found beneficial to AIDS patients whose immune systems are already in very poor condition. Anabolic steroid use can increase the lean muscle in AIDS patients, thus assisting in helping fight off infections and providing a stronger quality of life.

Anabolic steroid users tend to be focused more strongly than normal on their workouts and energy, and have a sense of excitement in their quest to fulfill their strength and size goals. Thus it may be hard to monitor immune system changes on the outside. That is, an increased onset of, perhaps, illness occurring while taking anabolic steroids due to the mental nature of the anabolic steroid user during that time could be difficult to access. Mentally, the anabolic steroid user could be very “up”, which could suppress, or delay the onset of any illness that could occur. This has been my own observational experience witnessing many bodybuilders appear free of any illness while on an anabolic steroid cycle. In any case its always advised health precautions be taken as the anabolic steroid side effect of a suppressed immune system can occur.

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