There has been lots of publicity in recent years about the illegal use of anabolic steroids, especially by professional athletes and weight lifters.
Athletes use steroids because they promote muscle growth and they are used by men and women.
Over two thirds of users begin by age 16 or younger. These drugs mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. But bulking up on steroids can have very serious and unhealthy consequences. Too much of the drug can damage the liver to the point of jaundice or liver failure. Steroid use has also been linked to increasing several risk factors for cardiovascular disease , including elevating blood pressure .