Most steroids cause impaired water and electrolyte balance in the body. As a result, there is an increased accumulation of water and sodium, which is expressed in tissue edema. This process is to some extent even desirable, since muscle cells, joints and connective tissue benefit from it. There is a rapid, significant increase in muscle volume, a strong increase in strength due to improved tolerance of pain, which also leads to hardening of the connective tissue, which often results in training without damage. The other side of the coin is that a large amount of water accumulates in the skin and in the blood. The first is more of a cosmetic problem, because swelling occurs under the eyes and cheeks, which gives the athlete a puffy appearance of a typical "Mordovorot"". The second aspect should still be taken more seriously, because excessive accumulation of water in the blood can lead to health problems. Because the body is overloaded with water, the heart and blood vessels pump more fluid than is normal, and as a result, high blood pressure can occur. The size of the water-salt retention strongly depends on the type of steroid taken and its dosage and on the genetic predisposition of each individual athlete. This aspect should pay attention to both men and women.
