Steroids / Question
Published: July 23, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I've heard that many star athletes have used steroids to build up their bodies. What are the risks?
Signed: Thinking About Steroids
Dear Thinking About Steroids,
Steroid use is a bad answer to building up your body for sports or to look better. 'Anabolic Steroids' are illegal drugs to have if not prescribed by a doctor and can be harmful to your health and developing body.
Some side effects in young men include:
- stunted growth
- testicle shrinkage
- bad acne
- reduced sperm count
- impotence
- baldness
- breast development
- painful urination
- severe mood swings
Some side effects in young women include:
- stunted growth
- increased hair growth
- changes in menstrual cycle
- bad acne
- breast shrinkage
- deeper voice
- severe mood swings
Some health hazards include:
- infertility
- liver disease
- tremors
- fluid retention
- high blood pressure
- lower HDL (good cholesterol)
- sore joints
- the risk of HIV and hepatitis exists if you are injecting and sharing needles
The star athletes that are taking these drugs are not making smart choices in doing so. You are making a good decision in not taking steroids.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One in four teenage girls in the 
