Most steroids cause a water and electrolyte imbalance in the body This results in an increased storage of water and sodium which further results in a swelling of tissue (edema). This process is desirable to a certain degree since the muscle cell, the joints, and connective tissue profit from it. The results are a quick and distinct increase of muscle size and volume, a strength gain, due to a better leverage ratio, a stronger connective tissue, and a "lubrication" of the joints which often guarantees injury-free training. The drawback is an increased water retention in the skin and blood. With the first it is more a cosmetic problem because the tissue especially under the eyes and the checks becomes puffy thus giving the athlete the typical bloated "off-seasonal full-moon steroid face". The second deposit is more serious because health problems may arise. Since the organ is overloaded with additional water, the heart and blood vessels must transport more fluid than normal through the body, thus possibly resulting in an elevated blood pressure. The degree of the water and salt retention depends, for the most part, on the type and dosage of the given steroid and on the predisposition of the individual. This factor is noticeable in both males and females.
