What makes steroids bad

In such cases, individuals may have no idea what they are taking, what the appropriate dose should be, or what levels of control and safety went into the manufacturing process. These facts make the risks of taking anabolic steroids bought without a prescription even greater than they otherwise would be. A: I would emphasize both the short and long-term potential for serious harm to their health.

Rather than making you look or perform better, steroids will more likely cause unfavorable results that could affect you for life. I would also remind them that there are a number of ways to increase muscle mass and athletic performance, including a sensible regimen of exercise and diet, without resorting to extreme and dangerous therapies. A: Parents tend not to believe their teens would consider taking anabolic steroids, but the truth is that the frequency of steroid use in this age group is far greater than many would guess.

During this time of year, when children are in school and getting back into their athletic routines, parents should watch for potential signs of abuse. Mood swings are among the first side effects to show up, and steroid use may lead to mania or depression.

Acne is also an early side effect and can be followed by breast development in boys or increased body hair in girls. Long-term effects are more prevalent in women. If you have questions or concerns about steroids and steroid use, please contact the Student Health Care Center to make an appointment: What are anabolic steroids? Why are steroids abused? It is commonly believed that anabolic steroids will produce irreversible enlargement of the clitoris in females, although there are no studies on this.

Many people who inject anabolic steroids may use nonsterile injection techniques or share contaminated needles with other users. This puts these steroid users at risk for acquiring life threatening viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Steroid misuse has been associated with liver damage, 50,51 tumors, 46,52,53 and a rare condition called peliosis hepatis, in which blood-filled cysts form in the liver.

Rising levels of testosterone and other sex hormones normally trigger the growth spurt that occurs during puberty and adolescence. These rising levels of testosterone also provide the signals to stop growth. Evidence suggests that weightlifters who misuse anabolic steroids have stiffer tendons, which could lead to an increased risk for tendon injury. Steroid misuse can cause acne, 70—72 hair loss on the head, cysts, and oily hair and skin.

This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Drug Topics. More Drug Topics. Quick Links. About NIDA. Anabolic Steroids DrugFacts. What are anabolic steroids? Points to Remember Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone.

Health care providers can prescribe steroids to treat various medical conditions. But some athletes and bodybuilders misuse these drugs to boost performance or improve their physical appearance.