While many supplements are available today, there are too many that can cause irreparable damage. Despite increased awareness of anabolic steroids and the effects they have on an athletes body, their use is still present in many high school sports. Steroids are powerful hormones that affect a persons body in a way that typically would not be possible due to the natural internal regulations in productions performed by the body's glands. These substances present an easy and effective way to quickly grow muscle and build strength with some even facilitating weight loss at the same time. Steroids are detrimental to the body though, and most are illegal for this reason. Steroids have a lot of dangerous and undesirable long term side effects such as significantly increased chance of developing liver disease and heart attacks, an enlarged heart, bad cholesterol levels, mood swings, jaundice, and an increased chance of tendon ruptures. Some of the heavier steroids can cause these problems in the short term as well. In teenagers particularly, athletes may also suffer from shortness in height due to arrested bone development and growth and females can suffer from long term masculinization. Steroids should be avoided and are not a safe way to gain an advantage over your opponent. Athletes should always consult a medical professional before utilizing chemical substances. Below are links that show more of the dangers of steroid use.