Today, anabolic steroids are available in the form of a pill, injection, gel, cream, or patch. Athletes may take more than one type of steroid at a time. Adverse Effects of Anabolic Steroids Use of steroids can have some unwanted, and sometimes dangerous, side effects. They can cause severe acne, joint and muscle pain, sleep problems, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, weakening of the tendons and ligaments, high blood pressure, jaundice, liver damage, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. Females may experience a reduction in breast size, deepening of the voice, growth of facial hair, changes in the menstrual pattern, and an enlarged clitoris.
Steroids can also affect the mind.
They can cause irritability, severe mood swings, hallucination, paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Steroids may also cause uncontrollable outbursts of rage or serious aggressive behavior leading to acts of violence. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, steroid use among adolescents increased by 38 to 50 percent since 1991. In the classroom sessions coaches and student team leaders discuss adolescent physiology and potential effects of anabolic steroids. In the weight room, students learn about strength training and sports nutrition as alternatives to steroid use.