Androgens are the name for all male sex hormones, 
the most important of which is testosterone.
Testosterone has an anabolic effect that 
stimulates muscle tissue to grow faster,
and an androgenic effect that is important for the 
development of male sex characteristics.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are 
types of synthetic testosterone,
which in combination with exercise, lead to quicker muscle growth and strength.
Testosterone circulates in one’s blood and affects 
the functions of most of the body’s cells
by attaching to androgen receptors in the central 
nervous system, among other places.
Brain functions are therefore also 
affected by anabolic steroids.
When testosterone levels in the body increase, the user 
can experience excitement, increased self-confidence,
more energy, less fatigue and need for 
sleep, and an increased sex drive –
– which can lead to psychological dependence.
Some users also experience side effects such as 
inability to control their anger, and lowered self-control,
reduced empathy, and increased 
jealousy and suspicion.
In less common instances the user can 
also experience psychosis or mania.
When a user discontinues or 
pauses intake of anabolic steroids,
testosterone levels in their body sink again.
For some, the body’s own production 
of natural testosterone can decrease
or completely stop while they take steroids.
This happens because the body has received 
enough testosterone from external sources,
which has interrupted the stimulation of  
testosterone production by the pituitary glands.
As a consequence, less testosterone 
is produced naturally than before.
How quickly this happens depends 
on individual differences
as well as on the type and 
dose of steroid used.
In one of these phases, many experience a loss of 
energy, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances,
reduced self-confidences, withdrawal from 
social situations, anxiety, and depression.
Some users also experience psychological distress 
so severe that they consider suicide.
Some users combine anabolic steroids with other 
presentation-boosting substances, narcotics, or alcohol.
This may be an attempt to self-medicate 
against unwanted side-effects
instead of contacting the health services.
Combining steroids in this way can reduce 
certain symptoms in the short term,
but the risk is high for developing more 
serious symptoms, further damages
and side-effects, as well as developing a 
dependence on these other substances.
Anabolic steroids have individual effects 
and therefore different symptom profiles.
Some report side effects quickly, while others 
experience few, or only after longer periods of use.
These variations depend on 
the type and dose of steroid used,
genetic differences, and age of first use.
In Norway, the specialist health service, 
providing substance use disorder treatment,
is responsible for this patient group and 
coordinating necessary health services.
Want more information?
You can contact the steroid project by email.
