Steroid Use Among Teens: It’s a Problem

Anabolic steroids used to be the domain of professional athletes and sports figures, but sports steroid use is now as close as the nearest high school or even junior high. The number of teenage and even pre-teen athletes using anabolic steroids and other sports performance boosters is on the rise.

A recent survey published in the journal Lancet showed that five percent of twelfth graders and two percent of junior high school age kids used anabolic steroids over the past twelve months. Just as disturbing are surveys showing that fewer kids and teens think sports steroid use is dangerous compared to kids in the 1990’s. It seems that teens are being influenced by the number of big name athletes who use anabolic steroids. Seeing their favorite sports heroes using anabolic steroids makes it look okay – even glamorous.

Just as concerning as teen steroid use, is the growing number of nutritional supplements that contain off-label steroids and steroid precursors. These supplements are available in health food stores and online, and kids and teens buy into them believing they can help their sports performance without significant health risks. Companies get by with adding steroids and steroid precursors to these products because there’s little FDA regulation of nutritional supplements. The FDA can only intervene if a product causes harm.  

Kids and teen athletes who use anabolic steroids and nutritional supplements containing their precursors may be at higher risk of serious health problems.. In many cases, the effects of teen steroid use may not show up until years down the road. Anabolic steroid use is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, liver failure, blood clots, and mood disorders. The longer athletes use anabolic steroids, the greater the risk of developing health problems.

It’s important to be aware of the signs of teen steroid use – especially if you have a teen who plays sports. Physical signs of anabolic steroid use include an increase in muscle mass, acne, development of breast tissue in a male, voice deepening, ankle swelling, and loss of hair. Women may develop facial hair and deepening of their voice. Teen steroid use can also lead to dramatic changes in personality and mood and can exhibit aggressive behavior, depression, or anxiety. Any significant change in personality in a teen athlete should raise the suspicion of teen steroid use.

It’s important to educate teens about the health risks of sports steroid use and to make them aware that even some nutritional supplements found in health food stores can cause health problems. If you believe your teen athlete may be using anabolic steroids, get professional help before they jeopardize their health.