Many people want to be fit, and some believe that steroid use is a faster way to get there. Most steroids mimic the male sex hormone, testosterone, allowing the body to vastly increase in muscle mass. However, the negative side effects can be just as potent.
According to the FDA, 4.9% of male high school students and 2.4% of female high school students have used steroids at least once. Steroids can be taken in pill form or injected into the bloodstream. Teens and parents should watch out for “workout enhancement” pills or powders bought online, as they may include steroids not mentioned on the label.
Signs & Effects of Anabolic Steroid Use
- Increased muscle mass
- Shrinkage of the testes or development of breasts in boys
- Growth in facial hair, cessation of the menstrual cycle, male pattern baldness and enlargement of the clitoris in girls
- Lifelong fertility problems
- High blood pressure
- Blood clots