Anabolic Steroids

The Side Effects of
Taking Steroids

It's time to talk about the side effects and risks of steroid abuse - making them impossible to ignore. Regularly taking anabolic steroids can lead to physical and psychological changes in both men and women, as well as potentially dangerous medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, blood clots and liver and kidney failure.

*Please note, the images in this campaign are stock images posed by models. 

Read our research

IPED use is societal, not just a sport problem. Read our research on IPEDs conducted in 2020.

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Image of upside down eggplant with words 'Lost your mojo?'
Lost your mojo?

Yeah, steroids will do that! Bad news though - this is just one of many side effects you could get... The reality is you're #Shredding your chance of having a family!

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Balding man with the words 'The bald truth. Cheers steroids'
The bald truth

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the primary hormones involved in male hair loss. When a person takes anabolic steroids, this accelerates the production of DHT and the amount in your system. #HairTodayGoneTomorrow

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Banana and passionfruit with the words 'Lost your passion?'
Lost your passion?

LOST: your #Passion. Upon retracting your steps to try and locate it, you realise the last time you saw it was before you first took steroids. Coincidence? We think not! #NotFeelingFruity

It's your body, know what's going into it

Many supplements and medications may contain prohibited substances. It's important to check them before using to avoid a ban from sport! Medications can be checked on Global DRO and supplements on Informed Sport. Make sure to seek guidance if you are unsure by emailing substance@ukad.org.uk.

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Girl with text that says 'Hiding something?'
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Girl with head in handsl with words 'Deepened voice, Acne, Facial Hair' on screen
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Girl with head in hands with words 'Mood swings, Paranoia, Depression' on screen

Don't just take our word for it

This is serious stuff people!

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Man flexing his muscles with words 'Hiding something?' on screen
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Man with head in hands with words 'Low libido, heart problems, erectile dysfunction' on screen
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Man with head in hands with words 'Paranoia, mood swings, aggression'' on screen

Got information on someone doping in sport?

Let us know via one of our Protect Your Sport channels

Emotional Rollercoaster

Why be one of Snow White’s seven dwarfs when you can be all seven at once? Regularly taking anabolic steroids can cause psychological or emotional effects, including aggressive behaviour, mood swings, paranoia and hallucinations – it’s just not worth it!

*Video is of a girl holding a balloon with changing emotions (sad, happy, angry, winking).

Danger! Eruption

Let’s paint a picture. You start taking anabolic steroids, and then suddenly the spots start to appear out of nowhere, and next thing you know you’re online looking for a ten-step skincare routine to try and help! Join the dots people (no pun intended) – steroid use may be the reason...

*Video is of a person popping a pimple with the words 'Danger, Eruption!' on the screen. 

Heart attack

Both men and women who take anabolic steroids can develop serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and liver or kidney problems. #TickingTimeBomb

*Video is of a heart being 'attacked' by a needle.

Beach body

Looking for a quick fix to get the beach body you're searching for? Take a moment and think about the side effects! Is it worth it? We think not!

*Video is of a blow-up beach flamingo with a needle in the middle of it and the words 'Beach Body' on screen.

Fast facts on steroids