Growing teens using these drugs will not reach their normal adult height. Muscle and joint injuries increase with the use of steroids and acne and baldness may develop. Females taking anabolic steroids may have irregular periods and may gain male traits, such as a deeper voice and an increase in face and body hair. The most serious effects of steroids are on the liver, the heart, the reproductive organs, and mental health. The liver is at risk for hepatitis and tumors.
Blood pressure rises.
HDL, the good cholesterol, lowers and LDL, the bad cholesterol, increases. Testicles shrink and the prostate gland enlarges. Sperm production becomes less. Behavior changes include aggression, paranoia, mood swings, reduced sexual drive, and depression. Using anabolic steroids for athletic gain is dangerous, unethical, and illegal.