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Anabolic steroids are synthetic (artificial) derivatives of the main male hormone testosterone. They are used for some medical conditions, but also illegally in some sports settings.

Testosterone is responsible for both promoting and maintaining muscle growth, and for the development of secondary male sex characteristics such as deepening voice and facial hair.

Also called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), these drugs have a unique ability to enhance muscle mass.

Long-term, non-medical uses are associated with adverse effects, including heart problems and aggression.

Fast facts on anabolic steroids

Here are some key points about anabolic steroids. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

The first reports of AAS use occurred following the 1954 world weightlifting championships, and the International Olympic Committee their use in 1975.

Illegal use of AAS may involve doses 10 to 100 times higher than the normal prescription dose.

AAS are prescriptive controlled substances in the United States, but in many countries, they can be sold without a prescription for non-medicinal purposes.

All synthetic steroids combine the anabolic-or muscle-building-effects with the androgenic, or secondary male sexual characteristics.

AAS use has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic versions of the primary male hormone, testosterone. They produce their effects in many parts of the body, including the muscles, bones, hair follicles, liver, kidneys, blood, immune system, reproductive system and the central nervous system.

Anabolic steroids can be taken orally, injected or applied directly to the skin.

During puberty, increases in testosterone levels are responsible for the development of male characteristics such as beard and body hair growth, linear growth (height), deepening voice, sex drive and muscle mass accumulation.

Testosterone also promotes the laying down of bone mineral and can contribute to competitiveness, self-esteem and aggressiveness.

Anabolic steroids can be taken orally, through injections or transdermal delivery (creams or gels applied directly to the skin).

Once ingested, anabolic steroids travel through the bloodstream to the muscle tissue where they bind to an androgen receptor. The drug can subsequently interact with the cell's DNA and stimulate the protein synthesis process that promotes cell growth.

For non-medical purposes, anabolic steroids are typically taken in cycles of about 6-12 weeks (the on period) followed by 4 weeks to several months off. This cyclical pattern is an attempt to reduce the likelihood of undesirable effects. Despite the risk, however, some bodybuilders will take AAS almost continuously.

Continuous use of AAS can lead to tolerance and may even cause the body to stop producing its own testosterone. In addition, users often combine several different types of steroids or incorporate other supplements (stacking) in an attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the steroids.

Street names include the following:

Common trade or slang names

There are also some common trade and slang names.
Oral form

Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin) - "Halo"

Mesterolone (Proviron)

Methandienone (Dianabol) - "Dbol"

Methyltestosterone (Virilon)

Mibolerone (Cheque)

Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin) - "Var"

Oxymetholone (Anadrol) - "Drol"

Stanozolol (Winstrol) - "Winny."

Injectable form

Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise) - "EQ"

Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan) - "Primo"

Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin) - "Deca"

Nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin) - "NPP"

Testosterone cypionate (Depotest)

Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro)

Testosterone propionate (Testex)

Trenbolone acetate (Finajet) - "Tren."

Prevalence

The legal status of these medications varies from country to country. In the US, AAS is a schedule III controlled substance available only by prescription, and their use is only legal when prescribed by a medical provider.

Most illegal users of anabolic steroids are men involved in bodybuilding, weightlifting and professional sports.

Medical conditions (primarily male) treated using AAS include anemia, wounds, malnutrition, delayed onset of puberty, osteoporosis and hypogonadism. Testosterone and several of its esters, as well as methyltestosterone, nandrolone decanoate and oxandrolone, are the main anabolic-androgenic steroids currently prescribed in the US.

Otherwise, under the Controlled Substance Act, unlawful possession and distribution is subject to federal and state laws. Most athletes consume AAS on a trial-and-error basis using information gained from other athletes, coaches, websites or gym "gurus."

The prevalence of anabolic steroid use in adults is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. Most users are men involved in weightlifting, bodybuilding and professional sports, but use among women and adolescents is also on the rise.

In the 2012 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, 1.2%, of eighth graders, 1.3% of tenth graders and 1.8% of twelfth graders reported using steroids at least once in their lifetimes.

Illegal steroids are obtained from black market sources and trade, and can be purchased through dealers just as any other illegal drug is obtained. The Internet is the most widely used means of buying and selling anabolic steroids. However, there is also evidence of diversion through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors and veterinarians.

Side effects

The adverse effects associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids are dependent on the age and sex of the user, the amount used and the duration of use.

Typical side effects of legally prescribed normal-dose anabolic steroids may include acne, fluid retention, gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), increased red cell count and changes in cholesterol levels. Users should follow up with their prescribing clinician and take periodic blood tests to monitor for these effects. Studies of men taking physiological doses of AAS medications found no changes in aggressive behavior.

Additional side effects include hair growth, hair loss, infertility, changes in libido, decreases in HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) and increases in LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol).

In adolescents, use of anabolic steroids can permanently stunt growth. In women, use of the drugs can induce permanent physical changes including deepening of the voice, increased facial and body hair growth and the lengthening of the clitoris. In men, use of AAS can cause shrinkage of the testicles, enlargement of the male breast tissue and sterility. Anabolic steroid use can damage the liver and can cause an increase in cholesterol levels.

Anabolic steroid use can also induce psychological effects such as aggression, increased feelings of hostility, psychological dependence and addiction. Upon abrupt termination of long-term anabolic steroid use, abusers may experience withdrawal symptoms including severe depression.

Health risks

Numerous health risks are associated with chronic steroid abuse, including liver and kidney damage, severe acne, fluid retention, trembling, high blood pressure, enlargement of the heart and increased risk of stroke in individuals of all ages.

Adolescent steroid users put themselves at risk for stunted growth and other problems as they are already in a vulnerable position due to changing hormones.

The use of anabolic steroids can lead to many undesirable changes to the human body.

Men risk shrinkage of the testicles (testicular atrophy), reduced sperm count or infertility, baldness, development of breasts (gynecomastia) and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Female abusers could experience body and facial hair growth, male-pattern baldness, changes in the menstrual cycle, shrinking breasts, increased sex drive, acne and a deepening voice. Some of these changes are permanent, even when the anabolic steroids are stopped.

Abusers who inject their steroids run the added risk of contracting or transmitting blood-borne infectious diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis via shared needles.

Finally, chronic AAS users can also experience psychiatric symptoms such as severe mood swings, paranoia, delusions, impaired judgment, feelings of invincibility, mania and anger ("roid rage") that may lead to violence. These extreme unwanted effects are more likely to be seen in those who have a predisposition to these types of behaviors.

There is no evidence in the available literature that legitimate medical use of AAS leads to abuse or dependence. However, long-term AAS abuse can affect some of the same brain pathways and chemicals that are affected by other drugs such as opiates, resulting in dependency and even addiction.

Withdrawal

Individuals who abuse anabolic steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, mood swings, depression, fatigue, insomnia, reduced sex drive and cravings. Research shows that some abusers turn to other drugs such as opioids to counteract the negative effects of chronic AAS use.

The first step in treating anabolic steroid abuse is to get the individual to stop using these drugs and seek medical attention in order to address any psychiatric or physical symptoms they might have. Referral to an addiction treatment facility or counselor may be indicated.

Recent developments on anabolic steroids from MNT news

Doping in sports: is it worth it?

Since sports were invented, people have cheated. From figure skaters breaking competitors' legs, to marathon runners disappearing into the crowd and taking the subway, scandal populates sporting history.

More teens are turning to steroids, study reveals

Teens are risking their health in order to "bulk up" and "get toned" by using anabolic steroids and drinking protein shakes, according to a report conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and published in the journal Pediatrics.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormone testosterone and have legitimate medical uses. When legally prescribed and supervised by a medical provider, anabolic steroids are considered safe and therapeutic medications.

However, the majority of use of these drugs is among bodybuilders and athletes in order to enhance their muscle strength or appearance. Heavy AAS abuse can lead to potentially severe and sometimes irreversible negative health consequences, including early heart attack, stroke, depression and severe aggressive behavior.

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Anabolic steroids: Use, side effects, and risks

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Anabolic steroids are synthetic (artificial) derivatives of the main male hormone testosterone. They are used for some medical conditions, but also illegally in some sports settings. Testosterone is responsible for both promoting and maintaining muscle growth, and for the development of secondary male sex characteristics such as deepening voice and facial hair.

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Rich Piana

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CRAZIEST STEROID CYCLE "in 1 year I put on 48 lbs of muscle" - Rich Piana

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The dictionary definition of Anabolic Steroids is: a synthetic steroid hormone which resembles testosterone in promoting the growth of muscle. Such hormones are used medicinally to treat some forms of weight loss and (illegally) by some athletes and sports players to enhance physical performance.

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WHO USES ANABOLIC STERIODS?

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Ordering Publications

Call 1-877-643-2644 or:

APA Style MLA Style AMA Style

NIDA. (2018, February 21). Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds

​Research Reports

This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.

Lesson Plan and Activity Finder

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The vast majority of people who misuse steroids are male non-athlete weightlifters in their 20s or 30s.1,22 Contrary to popular belief, only about 22 percent of anabolic steroid users started as teenagers.23 Anabolic steroid use is less common among females, since fewer women desire extreme muscularity and the masculinizing effects of steroids.22

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https://www.livestrong.com/article/104856-benefits-steroids-

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What is it that makes AAS potent? These drugs are synthetically produced to simulate testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Anabolic steroids are very popular with professional or competitive athletes, weight lifters and body builders and are used to-

* Improve physical appearance

* Increase muscle mass

* Increase strength and endurance

* Train longer and frequently with unprecedented intensity

* Boost sporting performance

* Faster recuperation

Their medical benefits include their involvement in replacement therapy for men whose testes fails to produce adequate quantities of testosterone (required for sex drive and primary sex characteristics).

They're also given to HIV-positive individuals and some cancer patients to increase their appetite, maintain muscle mass and enhance their sense of well-being.

Whatever the benefits, steroid usage can lead to grave consequences. They may be taken only when prescribed by a physician to treat a medical condition.

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What is it that makes AAS potent? These drugs are synthetically produced to simulate testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

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https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/organization

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Also known as: Anabolic-androgenic Steroids, Juice, and Roids

Common brand names: Androsterone, Deca-durabolin, Dianabol, Equipoise, Oxandrin, and Winstrol

Anabolic steroids are manmade medications related to testosterone (male sex hormone). Doctors use anabolic steroids to treat hormone problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss from some diseases.

Bodybuilders and athletes may misuse anabolic steroids to build muscles and improve athletic performance, often taking doses much higher than would be prescribed for a medical condition. Using them this way is not legal-or safe, and can have long term consequences.

Anabolic steroids are only one type of steroid. Other types of steroids include cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone. These are different chemicals and do not have the same effects.
How Anabolic Steroids Are Misused
When people take steroids without a doctor's prescription or in ways other than as prescribed, they are abusing steroids.

Some people who abuse steroids take pills; others use needles to inject steroids into their muscles.

Anabolic steroids affect a part of the brain called the limbic system, which controls mood. Long-term steroid abuse can lead to aggressive behavior and extreme mood swings. This is sometimes referred to as "roid rage."

Steroids can also lead to feeling paranoid (like someone or something is out to get you), jealousy, delusions (belief in something that is not true), and feeling invincible (like nothing can hurt you).

Learn more about how the brain works and what happens when a person uses drugs.

Abuse of anabolic steroids has been linked with serious health problems. They include:

high blood pressure

changes in blood cholesterol (increases in "bad" cholesterol or LDL, decreases in "good" cholesterol or HDL)

enlarged heart

heart attack or stroke (even in young people)

liver disease, including cancer

kidney problems or failure

severe acne

Males

breast growth and shrinking of testicles

low sperm count/infertility (unable to have children)

increased risk for prostate cancer

Females

voice deepening

growth of facial hair

male-pattern baldness

changes in or end of menstrual cycle/getting your period

enlargement of clitoris

In addition, if teens abuse anabolic steroids, they may never achieve their full height because anabolic steroids can stop growth in the middle of puberty.

Yes. Although it is rare, there are a few ways steroid use can cause death.

Heart attacks and strokes. Steroid misuse can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, in which fat builds up inside arteries and makes it hard for blood to flow. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, a heart attack can occur. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke can occur.

HIV. People who inject anabolic steroids using needles may share dirty drug injection equipment that can spread serious viral infections such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis (a liver disease).

Depression. Steroid misuse can lead to depression, especially during withdrawal. In rare cases this can contribute to destructive behaviors, including suicide.

Cancer. There is some scientific evidence that repeated use of anabolic steroids can contribute to the development of liver and prostate cancer.

They can be. Addiction to steroids is different compared to other drugs of misuse, because users don't become high when using; however, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. People who do become addicted keep using steroids despite bad effects on their bodies and lives. Also, people who misuse steroids typically spend a large amount of time and money obtaining the drugs, another sign they could be addicted.

When they stop using steroids, people can experience uncomfortable symptoms such as feeling depressed, mood swings, feeling tired or restless, loss of appetite, being unable to sleep (insomnia), and the desire to take more steroids. Depression can be very dangerous, because it sometimes leads people to think of or attempt suicide (killing themselves). If not treated, some symptoms of depression that are linked with anabolic steroid withdrawal have lasted for a year or more after the person stops taking the drugs.

Below is a chart showing the percentage of teens who misuse steroids.

Swipe left or right to scroll.

For the most recent statistics on teen drug use, see NIDA's Monitoring the Future study.

If you, or a friend, are in crisis and need to speak with someone now:

Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (they don't just talk about suicide-they cover a lot of issues and will help put you in touch with someone close by)

If you need information on drug treatment and where you can find it, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help.

For more information on how to help a friend or loved one, visit our Have a Drug Problem, Need Help? page.

Drug Facts
NIDA:
Statistics and Trends
NIDA: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

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Also known as: Anabolic-androgenic Steroids, Juice, and Roids Common brand names: Androsterone, Deca-durabolin, Dianabol, Equipoise, Oxandrin, and Winstrol Anabolic steroids are manmade medications related to testosterone (male sex hormone). Doctors use anabolic steroids to treat hormone problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss from some diseases.

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what are anabolic steroids | how do steroids work in the body  | anabolic steroids benefits - hindi

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