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What Are The Risks Of Steroid Use? For Teens

# Why do people use steroids?

People turn to anabolic‑steroid drugs for several reasons:

| Motivation | What it means |
|------------|---------------|
| **Muscle size & strength** | Rapid increase in lean body mass and power, which can help with sports performance or everyday tasks. |
| **Body image** | The desire to look "toned" or "ripped." |
| **Competitive edge** | Athletes or fitness enthusiasts believe steroids give them an advantage over rivals. |
| **Recovery speed** | Users claim that steroids help muscles heal faster after intense training or injury. |
| **Low motivation for training** | Some rely on steroids to feel energized and less concerned about consistent workouts. |

While these benefits are reported by users, they come at a cost—both physiological (health risks) and psychological (addiction potential).

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## 2️⃣ The Hidden Dangers of Using Steroids

Below is an overview of the most common adverse effects associated with anabolic‑steroid use.

| **Category** | **Common Side Effects** | **Long‑Term Health Consequences** |
|--------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| **Hormonal** | Suppressed natural testosterone production, infertility. | Permanent infertility, reduced libido, gynecomastia. |
| **Cardiovascular** | Elevated blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol (↓ HDL/↑ LDL). | Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis. |
| **Liver** | Hepatotoxicity from oral steroids; elevated liver enzymes. | Liver failure, jaundice, hepatic adenomas or cancers. |
| **Musculoskeletal** | Tendon damage due to overuse and rapid muscle growth. | Chronic tendonitis, ruptures. |
| **Dermatological** | Acne, skin irritation, oily skin. | Scarring, severe acne that may persist after cessation. |
| **Psychiatric** | Mood swings, aggression ("roid rage"), anxiety, depression. | Long-term mood disorders, dependency on steroids for self-esteem. |

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## 5. Practical Recommendations

| Goal | Suggested Approach | Notes |
|------|--------------------|-------|
| **Increase muscle mass safely** | • Structured resistance‑training program (3–5 sessions/week).
• Progressive overload with compound lifts.
• Adequate protein intake (~1.6–2.2 g/kg).
• Calorie surplus of 200–300 kcal/day. | Avoid excessive bulking; lean gains are preferable for health. |
| **Reduce fat while preserving muscle** | • Slight calorie deficit (≈500 kcal/day).
• Maintain high protein intake.
• Include HIIT or moderate‑intensity cardio 2–3×/week.
• Ensure sufficient sleep & stress management. | Gradual approach reduces risk of sarcopenia. |
| **Long‑term sustainability** | • Rotate diet phases (e.g., 4 weeks bulking, 8 weeks cutting).
• Include varied whole foods; monitor micronutrients.
• Regularly reassess body composition and adjust macros accordingly. | Avoid extreme yo‑yo dieting that can harm metabolism. |

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## Practical Take‑away for a "Bodybuilding‑Focused" Athlete

| Goal | Suggested Macro Ratios (per 1 kcal) |
|------|-------------------------------------|
| **Maximize muscle gain** | Protein 0.32, Carbs 0.38, Fats 0.30 |
| **Maintain lean mass while cutting** | Protein 0.35, Carbs 0.25, Fats 0.40 |
| **General training/maintenance** | Protein 0.30, Carbs 0.33, Fats 0.37 |

- **Protein**: Aim for ~1.6 g/kg body weight/day; split across meals.
- **Carbohydrates**: Prioritize complex carbs around workouts (pre/post) to fuel glycogen and insulin response.
- **Fats**: Include healthy unsaturated fats, but keep total fat moderate during cutting phases.

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## 4. Practical Implementation

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Measure body weight & composition (DEXA, Bod Pod). |
| 2 | Calculate BMR → TDEE with activity multiplier. |
| 3 | Decide calorie target:

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