Firstly, some words on steroids...

Most Anabolic steroids (which are basically artificial versions of the natural hormone testosterone, with a structure very similar to the hormone itself [pictured below]) help in building up fast twitch muscle fibres. These fast twitch fibres, which mostly release energy via anaerobic respiration, are capable of short bursts of energy, ideal for something simple like kicking a football.

Though it is true that these anabolic steroids help increase the build-up of muscles (especially when combined with regular exercises), they have a number of problems associated to them, including:

• Stunted growth in teens
• Liver tumors
• Enlargement of heart muscles (this can make it difficult for the heart to pumb blood)
• Violent behaviour and mood swings
• Acne
• Impotence
• Muscle aches

One good example of the dangers which steroids pose is that of the famous Brazilian soccer player Ronaldo, who has constantly been suffering knee injuries. One doctor has suggested that the fact that he took anabolic steroids at an early age (17) could mean that his bone structure was completely unable to cope with his muscle structure, leading to a number of injuries.