• 16 Sep 2025
• By Dr Rakesh Mahajan

Steroid Misuse and Bone Health: Hidden Risks for Young Adults

In both sports and medicine, steroids have long been a contentious topic. Although they are useful in treating ailments like severe inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and asthma, their abuse, particularly among young adults, has become a concerning trend. As stated by Dr Rakesh Mahajan at Mahajan Clinic, many young people use steroids without a doctor's advice in an attempt to achieve rapid improvements in their bodybuilding, athletic performance, or physical appearance. Regretfully, what begins as a quick fix for improving one's physical appearance can subtly turn into a long-term bone health time bomb.

Here, we'll look at the effects of steroid abuse on the skeletal system, why young adults are especially vulnerable, and ways to protect bone health.

Steroids: What They Really Do

Steroids can be classified into two broad types:

1. Corticosteroids – prescribed by physicians for conditions like autoimmune diseases, asthma, arthritis, or chronic inflammation. They aid in regulating inflammation and the immune system by imitating the hormone cortisol, which is generated by the adrenal glands.
2. Anabolic steroids – Synthetic testosterone is frequently used (and abused) to increase strength, muscle mass, and athletic performance.

Even though corticosteroids have important medical uses, long-term or unsupervised use can still have negative consequences. The largest worry, though, is the misuse of anabolic steroids by young adults who take excessive amounts in an effort to gain muscle quickly.

The Silent Damage to Bones

When steroids are misused, the skeletal system may not exhibit any symptoms of stress right away, but the long-term effects are severe. Among the most concerning issues are steroid misuse bone complications, which frequently go unnoticed until irreparable harm is done.

Here’s how steroids affect bone health:

• Reduced Bone Density (Osteopenia and Osteoporosis): The equilibrium between bone resorption and formation is upset by steroids. They increase the activity of osteoclasts, which break down bone, and decrease the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells that make new bone. This causes weaker, thinner bones over time.
• Increased Fracture Risk: Bones become more brittle as their density decreases. Fractures that would not typically occur in healthy young adults can be caused by even minor falls or injuries.
• Delayed Bone Healing: Steroids have the potential to slow down the body's ability to heal bone microdamage or fractures. This increases the likelihood of chronic injuries and lengthens recovery times for athletes.
• Suppressed Calcium Absorption: Steroids increase the kidneys' excretion of calcium and decrease its absorption in the gut. Bone weakening is accelerated by this imbalance.
• Hormonal Disruption: Anabolic steroids can upset the balance of oestrogen in women and change testosterone levels in men. Both hormones are essential for preserving bone mass.

Why Young Adults Are More Vulnerable

During the late teens to mid-20s, when people are gaining their maximum amount of bone mass, bone health peaks. Any disruption during this crucial stage of development has long-term effects.

Regarding young adults:

• Steroid misuse bone complications not only hinder the best possible bone growth but also hasten the deterioration of bone mass earlier than anticipated.
• Unlike older adults, young adults risk decades of healthy skeletal function by abusing steroids, even though bone health naturally deteriorates with age.
• Peer pressure, social media trends, and the desire for quick muscular results often drive misuse, making awareness even more urgent.

Early Warning Signs of Steroid-Induced Bone Damage

The majority of young people do not link steroid use to bone issues, which makes detection difficult. Among the early indicators are:

• Persistent joint pain or stiffness
• Back pain due to vertebral compression
• Reduced exercise tolerance or frequent injuries
• Stress fractures from routine workouts
• Poor posture or height loss in severe cases

These mild symptoms are frequently disregarded until a serious issue occurs, highlighting the necessity of routine screening when using steroids for an extended period of time, whether for medical or non-medical purposes.

Beyond Bones: Other Hidden Risks

Although the topic of this blog is skeletal problems, it is important to note that steroid abuse extends beyond bone health. Immune suppression, mood swings, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and infertility are additional risks. But steroid misuse bone complications are especially worrisome since bones make up the body's structural framework and are very difficult to heal once severely damaged.

Preventive Strategies for Young Adults

The risk of bone issues brought on by steroids can be decreased with awareness and preventative care. Here are a few doable actions:

1. Medical Supervision Only – Never take steroids without a prescription from a physician. Even steroids that are prescribed by a doctor need to be tapered gradually and their dosages monitored.
2. Regular Bone Density Scans – Bone mineral density (DEXA) scans are crucial for patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy or those with a history of anabolic steroid use.
3. Balanced Diet – Stronger bones are supported by adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Dairy products, leafy greens, and sunlight exposure play an important role.
4. Weight-Bearing Exercises – Exercises that promote bone growth and density include resistance training, running, and walking.
5. Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Smoking – Both behaviours exacerbate the harm from steroids and weaken bone structure.
6. Counselling and Support Groups – Counselling can offer healthier coping strategies to young adults who are dealing with problems related to body image or peer pressure to use steroids.

The Way Forward

Young adults abusing steroids is becoming a major health concern due to the detrimental long-term effects on bone health, as well as the immediate physical side effects. Early detection of the symptoms, risk education for young people, and encouragement of healthier substitutes are crucial measures in averting a spike in steroid misuse bone complications in the future.

Parents, schools, fitness instructors, and healthcare professionals can all help raise awareness. Building a solid foundation that supports a lifetime of activity and health is more important than simply gaining muscle.

Final Summary

Although steroids promise quick changes, young adults cannot afford the hidden cost to their bone health. An otherwise active and healthy life can be derailed by irreversible skeletal damage, recurrent fractures, and fragile bones. Making wise decisions that put long-term well-being ahead of immediate gains is where the true strength lies. As Dr Rakesh Mahajan at Mahajan Clinic emphasizes, protecting young people's bone health is an investment that will pay off for the rest of their lives. By abstaining from steroid abuse now, you can keep your body's structure strong for many years to come.