Now you know how they keep those gymnasts so short and muscular. There have been cases where doctors have used small amounts of specific anabolic steroids administered in precise doses to increase height. However, the amount of a steroid that will increase height and not stop bone growth varies from individual to individual. Using steroids to increase height can only be done by a qualified doctor. All steroids, even when administered in small dosages, can prematurely stop bone growth in individuals who are not done growing.
Steroids can also alter the normal course of puberty.
Steroid use is especially risky for teenagers. While the likelihood of teenagers developing possible side effects of steroid use like liver tumors is relatively low, as is the case for most steroid users, the likelihood of teenagers experiencing premature stoppage of bone growth and or changes to the normal course of pubertal development is high. For more information on this subject you may want to read The Steroid Bible .