Identification of new side effects of performance enhancing drugs
New and severe side effects of performance enhancing drugs have been identified and revealed by a new Australian study by a team of Southern Cross University (SCU) scientists.
The study led by Dr Robert Weatherby revealed that the use of anabolic steroids may significantly raise susceptibility to viral infections and cancers. This study also raised doubts regarding to dangers of long-term use of prohibited substances.
From News-Medical.Net:
Dr Weatherby said the study revealed that using anabolic steroids, even at doses 50 times less than those commonly used by steroid abusers, significantly increased susceptibility to viral infections and cancers by weakening a vital part of the body’s immune system.
The researchers also found that steroids could cause a change in the users’ psychology, reducing their empathy for other people, and making them less sensitive to the effect of their actions on others. Unlike other drugs, which merely alter mood for a short time, this new evidence indicates steroids may cause a change to human personality, which is normally stable throughout life – a result that has potential implications for those convicted of criminal offences related to so called “roid rage”.
It was further said by Dr Weatherby that athletes on performance enhancing drugs for a long-term to improve on-field performance may suffer from severe health complications as androgenic anabolic steroids may result in a fatal effect on a certain part of the human body’s immune system.
