Anabolic steroid use has already been linked to health problems ranging from liver abnormalities to lowered sperm counts and paranoia, but new research suggests that such use by adolescents could cause permanent brain changes affecting mood.

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Researchers with Northeastern University gave high levels of steroids over the course of a month - the equivalent of about five years in humans - to a breed of hamsters that is noted for territorial aggression during adolescence.

The hamsters given the steroids became more aggressive than those not on steroids. Their aggression was reduced when the hamsters were given the anti-depressant Prozac; however subsequent analysis of the hamsters given steroids showed that their levels of serotonin - which is linked to mood - were significantly lower in neural connections than those not given steroids.

The researchers suggest that taking steroids while the brain is still developing may have the longer-term consequences. – (HealthScoutNews)

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