What Are Dangers of Anabolic Steroids?
Steroids are dangerous for two reasons: they are illegal, and they can damage a
person's health, especially if used in large doses over time. Also, the health problems
caused by steroids may not appear until years after the steroids are taken.
Although they might help build muscle, steroids can have very serious side effects.
Using steroids for a long time can harm the reproductive system. In males,
steroids can lead to impotence, a reduction in the amount of sperm produced in the
testicles, and even reduced testicle size.
Females
who use steroids may have problems with their menstrual cycles because steroids can
disrupt the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries. This can cause long-term
problems with fertility.
Steroids taken for a long period of time also can cause:
- stunted growth in teens (by causing bones to mature too fast and stop growing
at an early age)
- liver tumors
- abnormal enlargement of the heart muscles
- violent, aggressive behavior and mood swings
- blood lipid abnormalities that contribute to heart disease
- acne (or a worsening of acne)
- increased breast growth in males, especially teens
- irreversible stretch marks
- a heightened tendency for hair loss and male-pattern baldness
- muscle aches
Teen girls and women risk these additional side effects:
- male-type facial and body hair growth and male-pattern baldness
- deepening of the voice
- enlargement of the clitoris
What Else Can Happen?
Besides the health risks, kids who use steroids without a prescription are breaking
the law. Drug testing for all athletes has become common, and those who fail a drug
test for steroids can face legal consequences, including jail time, monetary fines,
being banned from an event or team, or forfeiture of trophies or medals.
Andro use has been banned by many sports organizations, including the International
Olympic Committee, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association,
the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Association of Tennis Professionals,
and most high school athletic associations.
Talking to Kids About Steroids
Many pressures might drive young athletes to try steroids. Although most athletes
exercise hard, eat properly, and take care of their bodies to reach fitness and performance
goals, the pressure to excel and the desire to look physically toned and fit can be
intense.
Help your kids handle these pressures by:
- discussing healthy competition with them
- talking about the coaches' and team members' attitudes toward steroids
- knowing what kind of sports environments they compete in
- encouraging them to prepare mentally and physically for competition by eating
well and getting enough rest
Watch for these warning signs of steroid abuse:
- exaggerated mood swings
- worsening acne
- unusually greasy skin with stretch marks
- a sudden increase in muscle size
If you see any of these signs in your child, talk with your doctor. Steroids may
give young athletes the sense that they're stronger and more athletic, but the risks
are too dangerous.
When steroid use among pro athletes is in the news,
use it as a way to discuss the issue, making sure your child understands the health
risks, the possibility of legal trouble, and the concept that steroid use is a form
of cheating.
Date reviewed: February 2017