Anabolic steroids (aka anabolic-androgenic steroids) are non-prescribed drugs composed of the male hormone testosterone for muscle enhancement (“the ideal body”), and sports performance enhancement.  These drugs come in the form of injections, pills, and gels/creams.  Even though many users don’t take them on a continuous basis, the usage history fosters many consequences.

Adolescent Males

• Psychiatric difficulties
• Aggression
• Violence
• Growth inhibition (i.e., height, genitalia)
• Suicide

Adolescent Females

• Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder
• Potential psychiatric difficulties
• Growth inhibition (i.e., height, breasts)
• Acne
• Ceases/prevents menstruation

Women

• Psychiatric difficulties
• Ceases menstruation
• Significant breast size decrease
• Diminishes female sculpture
• Pregnancy difficulties
• Cancer
• Death

Men

• Psychiatric difficulties
• Significant breast size increase
• Genitalia reduction
• Aggression
• Violence
• Cancer
• Death

The bodily effects from anabolic steroids are irreversible for many users.

Vikki