Anabolic Steroids: Uses, Side Effects, And Alternatives All About Anabolic Steroids

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. They were first developed in the 1930s to treat hormone deficiencies and later found use in medicine for conditions such as delayed puberty, muscle wasting diseases, and anemia. In their natural state, they promote protein synthesis and muscle growth—hence "anabolic." In pharmaceutical form, they are usually administered orally or via injection.

What do anabolic steroids do?

When taken at therapeutic doses, anabolic steroids:

• Increase lean body mass by stimulating muscle fiber growth.
• Improve bone density, reducing the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
• Boost red blood cell production, helping people with anemia carry more oxygen.
• Enhance wound healing and recovery from trauma or surgery.

In sports, however, athletes may use them to increase strength, endurance, and recovery time beyond what natural training allows. This practice is illegal under most athletic governing bodies and can result in disqualification, fines, and suspensions.

How do people get anabolic steroids?

The legality of obtaining anabolic steroids varies by country: