Vinay Yadav | Indore41 minutes ago
Doctors in Indore are reporting a growing number of young men developing serious hormonal disorders after taking testosterone injections and anabolic steroids without medical supervision.
Health experts say social media-driven fitness trends are pushing teenagers and college students towards dangerous shortcuts to build muscle, with several eventually requiring medical treatment and even surgery.
20-year-old developed breasts after taking testosterone
One such case involved a 20-year-old who joined a gym after being inspired by social media. Within a few months of training, he began taking testosterone and steroids without consulting a doctor.
Soon, he started developing enlarged breasts, a condition caused by hormonal imbalance. Initially ignoring the symptoms, he eventually sought medical help when the condition worsened and later underwent surgery.
Doctors seeing around 10 such cases every month
Doctors say, “This is no longer an isolated incident. Around 10 young men every month are approaching four leading hormone specialists in Indore for treatment.”
Experts stated, “Most patients are between 18 and 22 years old college-going students who begin using steroids in an attempt to achieve a muscular physique and improve their appearance, often without understanding the serious health risks involved.”
Young people going to the gym start taking testosterone and steroids in pursuit of quick results.
Three cases that expose the dangers of steroid abuse
1. Six months at the gym ended in surgery
An 18-year-old from Khandwa, who was living in Indore while preparing for the NEET exam, joined a gym in the Bhanwarkuan area. When he failed to see noticeable results after six months, he began taking steroids on his trainer’s advice to build muscle quickly.
Within a few months, he developed enlarged breasts. Medication failed to reverse the condition, and he eventually had to undergo surgery.
2. Online supplements triggered hormonal imbalance
A 21-year-old from Indore searched the internet for ways to build muscle faster and came across testosterone supplements. After taking them, he developed enlarged breasts, making his chest resemble that of a woman.
Embarrassed by the changes, he kept the problem to himself for months. When he finally consulted a doctor, tests revealed a serious hormonal imbalance.
3. Friends’ advice led to surgery
A 22-year-old started taking steroids after being encouraged by friends at the gym. Although his physique developed rapidly, he later noticed abnormal breast enlargement and an unusual increase in bicep size.
By the time he sought medical attention, his condition had worsened, leaving surgery as the only treatment option.
Surgery needed if delayed
According to hormone expert Dr. Rajesh Verma, “Cases of hormonal imbalance are rapidly increasing among young people who take steroids and testosterone supplements without medical advice. Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in the body.”
He added, “However, when it is taken unnecessarily and in excessive amounts, a portion of it can convert into estrogen (female hormone) in the body. This causes men to develop breasts like women.”
He further said, “If treatment is done in the beginning, improvement is possible with medications, but if delayed, surgery may be required.”
Protein requirements can also be met through home-cooked food
Experts say, “Gym-goers do need protein, as it plays a crucial role in muscle building. Meanwhile, carbohydrates provide energy to the body. If adequate protein is being obtained from regular food, there is no need to take separate supplements. Supplements should always be consumed only on the advice of a doctor or qualified nutrition expert.”
Gym trainer says – Want fitness, not illness
Gym trainer Radhe Kumawat says, “Some people resort to steroids after seeing film stars’ bodies, whereas even if professional athletes and artists use them, they do so under expert supervision.”
He said, “Steroids can work like an addiction for the body. This can rapidly increase the size of biceps and breasts, but it also has serious side effects.”
