What Are Anabolic Steroids?

There are both natural and synthetic steroids. By anabolic steroids people mean anabolic-androgenic steroids. They are the synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male anabolic hormone - testosterone.

Testosterone triggers the maturing of the male reproductive system in puberty, including the growth of body hair and the deepening of the voice. They also make the body to grow more muscle mass and strength, which is the effect why they are usually taken in non-medical use.

The use of anabolic steroids is considered as doping and banned by sport organizations. The use of anabolic steroids can cause serious physical and psychological side effects. It may last from months to years for many of the side effects to occur.

Steroids have several uses in medicine. They can be used to provide testosterone for patients whos bodies are no longer able to produce it. After certains kinds of surgery and cancer they are used to build lost muscle tissue.