Anabolic (“muscle-building”) steroids are man-made substances closely linked to the male hormone testosterone. These drugs are available by prescription only to treat certain medical conditions. They are only safe for use when a doctor monitors the person taking them. Abuse of steroids – often in an attempt to gain more muscle mass – can lead to serious health problems.69
In both men and women, steroids can cause severe acne, male-pattern baldness, cysts and oily hair and skin.70 In males, steroid abuse can lead to shrinking of the testicles and breast development. Side effects for females can include facial hair growth, menstrual changes and deepened voice.71
Using steroids can make you hostile, violent and angry for no reason. You can experience uncontrollable outbursts of frustration and combativeness often referred to as “roid rage.”72
Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, even for athletes under the age of 30.73
Members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, including Michael Phelps and Dehashia "Dee Dee" Trotter, are dedicating themselves to fair competition without performance-enhancing drugs in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s My Victory campaign. Check out Phelps and Trotter and other inspirational athletes at http://www.usada.org/MyVictory.