Are anabolic steroids really dangerous?

Anabolic steroids are drugs that build up body tissue. Oxymetholone and nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin) are examples. They are used clinically to treat severe blood diseases (eg. aplastic anaemia), some types of cancer, osteoporosis and kidney failure.

They are used illegally by athletes and body-builders in both tablet and injection form to increase muscle mass. There are many serious side effects and problems associated with their long-term use, including liver disease and damage, the development of male characteristics and cessation of periods in women, stunting of growth and early onset of puberty in children, swelling of tissue, water retention, infertility, personality disorders and voice changes. Their use must be actively discouraged, because the short-term benefits gained by athletes are often followed by long-term medical problems.