# What are the long-term effects of using steroids?

Lily Armstrong · August 4, 2026

> Stunted growth: Prolonged steroid use, especially in children and adolescents, can lead to stunted growth and delayed puberty. Cushing's syndrome...

Stunted growth: Prolonged steroid use, especially in children and adolescents, can lead to stunted growth and delayed puberty.

Cushing's syndrome: Chronic steroid use can cause Cushing's syndrome, characterized by a rounded "moon face," fat deposits on the neck and abdomen, and weakened bones.

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Adrenal suppression: Long-term steroid use can lead to the suppression of the body's natural production of cortisol, the stress hormone, making it difficult to cope with stress.

Osteoporosis: Steroids can accelerate bone loss, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.

Muscle wasting: Paradoxically, long-term steroid use can result in muscle wasting, a condition known as steroid myopathy.

Cataracts: Steroid use has been linked to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that can impair vision.

Glaucoma: Steroids can increase intraocular pressure, leading to the development of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

Cardiovascular problems: Prolonged steroid use can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes: Steroids can impair the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially leading to the development of diabetes.

Psychiatric disorders: Steroid use has been associated with mood swings, depression, anxiety, and even psychosis in some individuals.

Increased infection risk: Steroids can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including opportunistic infections.

Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly stopping steroid use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle aches, and depression, which can be severe.

Acne and skin changes: Long-term steroid use can cause acne, thin skin, easy bruising, and increased facial hair growth.

Gastrointestinal issues: Steroids can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach ulcers, heartburn, and other digestive problems.

Reproductive and sexual dysfunction: Steroids can affect fertility, libido, and sexual performance in both men and women.

Avascular necrosis: Prolonged steroid use can disrupt the blood supply to the bones, leading to the death of bone tissue, a condition known as avascular necrosis.

Increased risk of infections: Steroids can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.

Hypertension: Steroids can cause fluid retention and increase the workload on the heart, leading to high blood pressure.

Lipid abnormalities: Steroids can alter the body's lipid profile, increasing the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Increased risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested a link between long-term steroid use and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma.

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