WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT... STEROIDS

Performance enhancing drugs are abused by all levels of athletes from student to professional.

What does it do to your mind/body?

Anabolic steroids ("rhoids") are male hormones used to short-cut physical training because they rapidly increase muscle mass. They also increase aggressiveness while providing an increased sense of confidence.

Steroid use in males can cause:

• shrinkage and deterioration of testicles
• reduce sperm count
• breast enlargement
• impotency and sterility
• early baldness
• high pitched voice

Steroid use in females can cause:

• irregular menstrual periods
• increased testosterone production
• permanent reproductive damage and infertility
• increased hair growth on face and body
• reduced breast size
• deepening of the voice

Steroid use in both males and females can also cause:

• muscle cramps
• "Roid Rages" aggressive, violent, uncontrolled behavior
• body changes - acne, rashes, hives, swelling of hands, feet, face
• fever, headache, insomnia, chills
• suppression of immune system
• gallstones, stomach ache, diarrhea, black tarry bowel movements
• bone deterioration
• mental disorders, hallucinations, severe depression, jaundice (yellow tinge to skin) and chronic hepatitis
• increased size of heart, liver, kidneys
• increases in cholesterol count and blood pressure
• heart disease

Are they addictive?

Yes, steroids are addictive, and they can kill you.

Find out more about steroids.