That’s a question now being asked in Australia after the Defence Force sent home several soldiers serving in Afghanistan for using steroids.

Last year a Sydney newspaper discovered that 7 Special Forces soldiers were found to be positive for anabolic steroids, which are generally taken for body building purposes. All the solders were sent home and were asked to provide evidence why they shouldn’t be sacked and dismissed from the army.

In response to this the Defence Force issued a fact sheet detailing the dangers of taking anabolic steroids. It said: ‘The use of anabolic steroids is not only dangerous to your health, but threatens your career and financial wellbeing.

”There are risks associated with both the injectable and tablet forms of the drug. It can be very dangerous to combine steroid use with some other drugs, such as insulin, human growth hormone or amphetamines.

”Unsafe use of injecting equipment also carries with it the risk of infection with blood-borne viruses, such as hepatitis C.”

Australian soldiers spend much of their time in improvised gymnasiums while serving in Afghanistan. They often complain of boredom and the tedious nature of their job. Consequently, the soldiers are often tempted to take supplements including steroids as part of their muscle building regimen.

However apart from the fact that this is frowned on, the Australian Defence Force believe taking steroids is highly dangerous. The fact sheet suggests that by taking the pharmaceutical products the soldiers may have a number of side effects such increased aggression, baldness, acne and infertility.

The fact sheet also says that women are at risk of a facial hair, enduring deep voice, problems with their menstrual cycle and enlarged clitoris.