Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are dangerous and illegal. While some Olympic and professional athletes have been caught using these or similar drugs, the potential problems in children and adolescents go beyond the legal risks. Short-term and long-term & physical and mental health risks are concerns when using anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids are a major concern for the growing athlete due to evidence of increasing use along with other forms of performance enhancing drugs. Anabolic steroids can permanently alter growth and can permanently damage the liver or damage other organ function. Yet children see their sports heroes using these drugs and getting results. It’s a powerful message: “Win at all costs! Bigger is better. Even if taking drugs breaks the law, professional and Olympic athletes are willing to take these drugs, so why shouldn’t I?” Young athletes have too much to lose by risking their health for sport.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. The steroids help with the construction of new proteins and increase muscle size and strength. This is something that already takes place in the body, but the steroids simulate or increase this normal biologic activity. Performance enhancing drugs are easily available for most athletes.

Steroids can either be taken orally or by an injection. Anabolic steroids in and of themselves are not effective. However, when used in conjunction with strength training they may cause gains in size and strength, but with dangerous side effects.

What are side effects of anabolic steroids?

Performance enhancing drugs have potentially deadly health risks. Side effects of anabolic steroids continue even after stopping the drugs. Users also are likelier to engage in risky behavior, such as taking other illegal drugs or engaging in dangerous sexual practices.

Signs of anabolic steroid use include:

Acne, often severe, and seen on the back and face.

Severe mood swings, extreme aggression, and even suicidal behavior.

Premature balding, irreversible breast enlargement, and smaller testicles in boys.

Deeper voice, shrinking breasts, and clitoral enlargement in girls.

Dangerous enlargement of the heart which may increase bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

Often irreversible liver damage.

In children, premature closer of the growth plates, stopping normal growth of bones.

Is there ever a reason to take anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are invaluable to people who have lost testicular function, such as men with testicular tumors. Anabolic steroids are also used in some types of anemia to stimulate the bone marrow. Any use of anabolic steroids for medical purposes should be under the direction of a health care expert.

How can we prevent children from using anabolic steroids?

Do not think that anabolic steroids are only a problem of the elite athletes. Our children are exposed to these drugs on a daily basis in our hometowns. Get involved with your children. Ask them about what they know about these drugs. Ask them if they know if any of their classmates are using these drugs. Ask them if they know the potential dangers of performance enhancing drugs. If you think your child may be experimenting with these drugs, talk to your doctor.

Anabolic steroids are typically distributed illegally, but many performances enhancing drugs may be available to our youth. An important conversation with your young athletes regarding any substance to improve performance or increase muscle may have significant risks.

Do not delay. Winning is not worth permanent damage to your child’s health.

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Reviewed November 2025 by Henry Bone Ellis, Jr., MD

Contributing expert: Edward McDevitt, MD

Sports Tips are brought to you by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. They provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgment or consultation with a physician.

For more tip sheets and to find an expert near you, visit sportsmed.org/STOP