Stories about athletes and steroids seem to pop up regularly in
the news. Some professional baseball players, cyclists, and track
stars have been accused of - and in some cases have admitted to -
using steroids to give them an edge competitively.
And steroid use has trickled down to younger athletes too, who
face fierce pressure to be stronger and faster, and to make it to
college and professional leagues. Some research has shown that 5%
of teen boys and 2.5% of teen girls have used some form of anabolic
steroids.
Steroids promise bold results, but there is little proof that
they deliver any such benefits. Extensive research, however, shows
how they can harm developing kids - with some of these ill effects
not likely to turn up until years later. And steroids are illegal,
too.
It's important to understand the facts about steroids, their
side effects, and what can drive kids to try them. Being aware of
the kinds of pressures kids deal with in sports can help you make
sure that your child isn't at risk.
What Are Steroids?
Drugs commonly referred to as "steroids" are
classified as
anabolic
(or
anabolic-androgenic
) and
corticosteroids
. Corticosteroids, such as cortisone, are drugs that doctors
typically prescribe to help control inflammation in the body.
They're often used to help control conditions like
asthma
and
lupus
. They're
not
the same as the anabolic steroids that receive so much media
attention for their use by some athletes and bodybuilders.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that can boost the
body's ability to produce muscle and prevent muscle breakdown.
Some athletes take steroids in the hopes that they will improve
their ability to run faster, hit farther, lift heavier weights,
jump higher, or have more endurance. In the United States, it is
against the law to use anabolic steroids without a
prescription.
Androstenedione, or "andro," is a kind of anabolic
steroid taken by athletes who want to build muscle. But research
suggests that andro taken in large doses every day can
significantly increase levels of testosterone, which can lead to a
number of health problems.
How Do Anabolic Steroids Work?
Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble the chemical structure
of the body's natural sex hormone
testosterone
, which is made naturally by the body. Testosterone directs the
body to produce or enhance male characteristics such as increased
muscle mass, facial hair growth, and deepening of the voice, and is
an important part of male development during puberty.
When anabolic steroids increase the levels of testosterone in
the blood, they stimulate muscle tissue in the body to grow larger
and stronger. However, the effects of too much testosterone
circulating in the body can be harmful over time.
Dangers of Anabolic Steroids
Steroids are dangerous for two reasons: they are illegal, and
they can damage a person's health, especially if used in large
doses over time. Also, the health problems caused by steroids may
not appear until years after the steroids are taken.
Although they might help build muscle, steroids can produce very
serious side effects. Using steroids for a long time can negatively
affect the reproductive system. In males, steroids can lead to
impotence, a reduction in the amount of sperm produced in the
testicles, and even reduced testicle size.
Females who use steroids may have problems with their menstrual
cycles because steroids can disrupt the maturation and release of
eggs from the ovaries. This disruption can cause long-term problems
with fertility.
Steroids taken for an extended period of time also can
cause:
- stunted growth in teens (by causing bones to mature too fast
and stop growing at an early age)
- liver tumors
- abnormal enlargement of the heart muscles
- violent, aggressive behavior and mood swings
- blood lipid abnormalities that contribute to heart
disease
- acne (or a worsening of acne)
- increased breast growth in males, especially teens
- irreversible stretch marks
- a heightened tendency for hair loss and male-pattern
baldness
- muscle aches
Teen girls and women risk these additional side effects:
- male-type facial and body hair growth and male-pattern
baldness
- deepening of the voice
- enlargement of the clitoris
Drug Testing
In addition to the health risks, kids who use steroids without
prescription are breaking the law. Drug testing for all athletes
has become more prevalent, and those who fail a drug test for
steroids can face legal consequences, including jail time, monetary
fines, exclusion from an event or team, or forfeiture of trophies
or medals.
Andro use has been banned by many sports organizations,
including the International Olympic Committee, the National
Football League, the National Basketball Association, the National
Collegiate Athletic Association, the Association of Tennis
Professionals, and most high school athletic associations.
Talking to Kids About Steroids
Many pressures may drive young athletes to experiment with
steroids. Although most athletes exercise hard, eat properly, and
take care of their bodies to maintain optimal fitness and
performance levels, athletic competition and the desire to look
physically toned and fit can be fierce.
Help kids handle these pressures by:
- discussing healthy competition with them
- talking about the coaches' and team members'
attitudes toward steroids
- knowing what kind of sports environments they compete in
- encouraging them to prepare mentally and physically for
competition by eating well and getting enough rest
If you suspect your child is using steroids, watch for these
warning signs:
- exaggerated mood swings
- worsening acne
- unusually greasy skin with stretch marks
- a sudden increase in muscle size
If you see any of these signs in your child, talk with your
doctor.
Steroids may give kids the sense that they're stronger and
more athletic, but the consequences are too dangerous to risk. Help
kids stay away from steroids by encouraging healthy eating and
fitness habits that will help them feel well prepared for
competition.
When steroid use among pro athletes is in the news, use that as
a launching point to discuss the issue, making sure your child
understands the health risks, the possibility of legal trouble, and
the concept that using steroids is cheating.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.