Know someone is taking steroids: 10 signs

Although the majority of steroid users are not muscle-packed bodybuilders, just by looking at them you can still tell if someone is on steroids. Let’s look at the signs of steroid use holistically – a single sign is inconclusive that they’re on the drug, but what about multiple signs appearing at once? Definitely a much higher possibility. Read on to know where to look if you suspect someone’s muscle growth isn’t quite natural. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Table of Contents

Acne

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Anabolic steroids cause the body to increase oil production and cause acne. The increased amount of oil clogs the pores, leading to acne formation. Acne can appear anywhere on the body, but is usually concentrated on the shoulders and back because steroids are most active in these areas. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Science Direct Go to Source}

Even without breakouts, their skin is often shiny or greasy. You can see that their hair is also greasy because the scalp produces more oil.

Imbalance in the upper body

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Muscles in the neck and shoulders are more likely to absorb steroids. Anabolic steroids work by binding to androgen receptors in the body. The neck and shoulder muscles have more androgen receptors, so they usually get more benefit from steroids. ^{[3] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

This condition can lead to a “yoke” effect – when the muscles in a person’s neck and shoulders grow oversized, making it look like they are carrying a yoke.
The steroid user will also have a larger upper body than the lower body – you can think of a guy who looks like he never bothered with leg exercises.

High power

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People who are taking steroids are likely to exercise at a higher frequency and for a longer time. Steroids provide more energy, so steroid users can train for longer periods of time and have greater endurance during a workout. You can also see them practice multiple sessions per day. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

As a result, people who are on steroids seem to spend most of their time at the gym. Steroid-driven people are often quite obsessed with gaining muscle, so they’ll prioritize this over anything – and steroids fuel their workouts.

Fast muscle gain

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Stagnation usually occurs when muscle mass has gained close to maximum. When a person starts working out, their muscles grow quite quickly for a while. Muscle gain will then slow down and level off with continued exercise. If an already fit person suddenly starts gaining muscle mass again, they are probably on steroids. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Stretch marks may also appear on their skin. This shows that they were growing muscle faster than the skin could adapt. Stretch marks are more common on the upper body, arms and shoulders. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Body fat is always stable at a low level

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Body fat often fluctuates during exercise. Although one can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, this requires a special diet and exercise regimen. ^{[7] X Source of Research} If someone seems to never gain body fat but is consistently gaining muscle mass, they are more likely to be on steroids. ^{[8] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Winter is the right time to observe this sign. Most people tend to store some body fat during the cold months. If this person doesn’t and continues to gain muscle, it is possible that they have achieved that result thanks to steroid use.

Having feminine characteristics (in men)

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Increased levels of artificial testosterone will cause the body to stop producing testosterone. When a man takes steroids, it usually takes a while for the body to start producing testosterone again, which also means that the level of estrogen in the body increases. This can lead to some of the following characteristics: ^{[9] X Research Source}

Gynecomastia: growth of breast tissue in men
Testicles and penis shrink
Bald
Reduced sperm count
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can become taboo and a private topic for men.
However, if they know that the problem is fairly common and likely caused by stress, they may be more willing to seek help. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Symptoms may be reduced if they seek help. ^{[11] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}

Having masculine characteristics (in females)

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Steroids increase testosterone levels in women. Steroids work in women as opposed to men because women’s bodies typically produce lower levels of testosterone. This means that if women use anabolic steroids, they may develop the following characteristics: ^{[12] X Source of Research}

Smaller breasts
Deeper voice
Grow facial and body hair
Irregular or missed periods
Abnormal clitoris development

High muscle-to-height ratio

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Steroid users often have a high fat-free mass index (FFMI). The FFMI index represents the muscle-to-height ratio. It’s not entirely accurate, but scientists have determined that an FFMI of 25 is the limit for those who build muscle the natural way. If this person has an FFMI of 26 or higher, they are most likely taking steroids. ^{[13] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

A low body fat percentage is also the cause of a skin condition that is often thought to be related to steroid use, especially in bodybuilders.
You may not have exact numbers to calculate the FFMI of someone you know, but you can make an estimate based on experience. If you’re looking at a famous athlete, the metrics you need are usually publicly available.

Have knowledge about male hormone

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Steroid users often do their own research to determine their cycle. There is not much medical research on the use of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement. This means that users must research the drugs themselves to help them achieve the desired results. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Most steroid users will deny it if you ask them directly, so simply asking for information is a good way to determine how knowledgeable they are.
For example, you could compliment their body or their energy, then say something like, “I want to know how to build muscle just like you.”
You can also say that someone recommended you something and asked for their opinion: “Dang told me I should take HGH, what do you think?”

Have a bad temper or get angry easily

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“roid anger” is one of the most common side effects of steroids. If you see someone who used to be quite calm but now gets angry over a trivial matter, this could be a sign of steroid use. ^{[15] X Research Source}

There are many other factors that can cause people to have mood swings. If this is the only sign you see in someone, tell them the specifics instead of addressing your suspicions that they are on steroids.
Anabolic steroid abuse is also strongly associated with stress, depression, and suicide. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Advice

Steroids are addictive and can cause serious damage to the body. If you believe someone you care about is taking steroids, advise them to seek help.

Warning

Steroids are especially dangerous for teenagers. If you suspect a minor is using steroids, talk to them as soon as possible.
A single sign cannot tell you for sure that someone is using steroids. If there are many signs occurring at the same time, the probability will be higher, but still can not be called with 100% certainty. Only a blood test can tell you for sure if a person is taking steroids.

Steps