Submitted by Taylor Hooton Foundation
The negative effects anabolic androgenic steroid abuse has on the human body can be devastating. They range from a minor case of acne and oily skin to major health implications like heart damage and potentially death. Anabolic steroids have a range of side effects, or changes experienced by the mind and body of a user.
If you suspect your child, students, or friends are using anabolic steroids, you can look for a variety of short-term side effects that appear as symptoms – like visible changes in appearance, mood and behavior. Educating yourself about the signs of steroid abuse can help you identify symptoms before it’s too late. Below are a few examples of potential side effects of anabolic steroid use that you can be on the lookout for:
Physical Changes may be the most recognizable difference because the novice user cannot easily conceal these short-term symptoms:
- Unusually fast muscle growth
- Unusually greasy hair or oily skin (often with stretch marks on the inner joints)
- Small red or purplish acne, including breakouts on the shoulders and back
- Gynocomastia, the abnormally excessive development of the breast tissue in males
- Bad breath
- Thinning hair throughout the head or receding hairline (male pattern baldness)
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin
Personality & Emotional Changes often happen suddenly and without visible triggers or reasons:
- Extreme mood swings
- Increased aggression or irritability
- Becomes secretive and/or starts lying
- Withdraws from family members
- Depression (especially when steroids are discontinued)
- Paranoia – extreme feelings of mistrust or fear
Social Changes witnessed may be mistaken for natural teenage distancing or independence:
- Sudden urge to work out at the gym
- Closes and/or locks bedroom door more often
- Changes in personal relationships with family and friends
- Phone conversations become more private
- Is stealing or losing belongings
- Loss of focus or concentration (at work, school or home)
To see the full list of potential side effects and warning signs of steroid abuse, please visit http://taylorhooton.org/steroid-abuse/signs-of-steroids-abuse/.
If you suspect steroid use is going on, it is very important to intervene and have a conversation. For more information on how to go about that, please visit http://taylorhooton.org/steroid-abuse/talking-to-our-children/.
