Steroids are powerful drugs used to boost testosterone in males, block estrogen production for females with breast cancer, and to help those with muscle wasting disease preserve their lean body tissues. This is also a drug most commonly used by body builders to help them gain additional muscle mass.

Although this drug may help one look healthier, there are negative side effects that can cause harm when not taken properly. Teenage athletes use this drug to enhance their performance in sports. This can be very dangerous, so it is important to watch out for signs of steroid abuse as early as possible and stop it before anything bad happens. Below are some of the most noticeable signs of steroid abuse in teenage athletes:

1. Quick and sudden muscle development
This is the major reason why teenage athletes take steroids. Muscles take time to develop, so be concerned of sudden muscle growth.

2. Weight gain
Steroids can also increase one’s weight rapidly. ‘Rapid weight’ can be around 5-10 kg within the first 6-12 weeks after taking the drug.

3. Acne Breakouts
Steroids can cause acne growth on the face, shoulders, arms and upper back. For those who already have acne, steroids can also make it worse.

4. Baldness
Steroids can cause a significant decrease in hair growth especially among boys.

5. Yellow Skin
This is a sign of liver disease seen among long-term steroid abusers.

6. Oiliness
A teenager taking steroids will suffer from excessive oiliness of the skin and hair.

7. Red spots in the body
Red spots all over the body, mostly on the upper part, are common among teens taking steroids.

8. Gynomastia
Gynomastia is the development of excessive breast tissue among men. This is one of the side effects of steroid abuse.