The usage of anabolic steroids in young athletes and teenagers today has skyrocketed. A study that the Youth Risk and Behavior Surveillance found was, which estimated that among U.S. high school students, 4.9% of males, and 2.4% of females have used or tried anabolic steroids at least once in their life. That comes to about 375,000 young males and 175,000 young females. 

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule iii Controlled Substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations with strict regulations. It is very illegal to possess them without a prescription in the United States and if caught, it could mean 6 months in jail or a thousand dollar fine.

 Teenagers, whose bodies are still developing and changing, are at a severely higher risk of trying steroids for hope of better appearance and or there athletic prowess. Anabolic steroids mimic the actions of the male sex hormone testosterone. Which include promoting the growth of cells, especially in muscle, and maintaining or increasing male physical characteristics. 

The abuse of anabolic steroids can cause temporary and or permanent injury. The range of serious adverse effects on many organ systems, and in many cases the damage is not reversible. These damages can include fertility problems, impotence, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart and liver abnormalities. 

Some specific symptoms that boys may experience is the shrinkage of the testiscals and issues with the development of the breast tissue. Girls could experience menstrual irregularities and development of masculine qualities like facial hair or body hair. Both girls and boys could experience acne, mood swings, and or have severely aggressive or angry behaviors. This can affect not just the individual taking steroids, but their family and the people in life. 

Despite all the bad things steroids can do; there are still a number of vendors that sell them online without a prescription. The FDA has taken action on the illegal online distributors who sell steroids without valid prescriptions.