Around 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. use anabolic steroids without a prescription for nonmedical purposes. They're the most common appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs). Some athletes and bodybuilders may use them as a way to enhance their physical appearance.

Anabolic steroids are drugs that help the growth and repair of muscle tissue. They are synthetic hormones that imitate male sex hormones, specifically testosterone.1Anabolic steroids have some legitimate medical uses, including for treating hormonal issues in puberty, and to treat muscle loss caused by other diseases such as cancer and AIDS.2

Anabolic-androgenic steroids, often shortened to "anabolic steroids," "steroids," or "androgens,"2,3 are the most widely misused APED. These are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects) in both males and females.2

Anabolic steroids increase lean muscle mass when used in conjunction with weight training. The aim, for non-athlete weightlifters, is typically improvement of appearance. Steroid use is often associated with a form of male body dysmorphic disorder called muscle dysmorphia, a preoccupation with the perceived inadequate size of their muscles.19

Some anabolic steroids are taken orally, others are injected intramuscularly,29 and still others are provided in gels or creams that are applied to the skin.35 Many users start with the oral form and then progress to injectable forms,36 since the latter causes less liver damage.

Unlike most illicit drug use, misuse of anabolic steroids most commonly begins in young adulthood rather than adolescence. But steroid use in teens is of concern, especially since the hormonal systems they interact with play a critical role in brain development during these years.92–96 In adolescent rodents, exposure to anabolic steroids increased neuronal spine densities in the hippocampus and amygdala—brain regions involved in learning and emotions (e.g., aggression), respectively.

An undetermined percentage of steroid users may develop a steroid use disorder. Substance use disorders are defined by continued use despite adverse consequences; for steroid users, these may include physical or psychological problems such as breast growth (in men), sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, excessive fats in the blood, heart disease, mood swings, severe irritability, or aggressiveness.

Although non-athlete weightlifters account for the bulk of anabolic steroid misuse, occasional steroid use by professional and Olympic athletes to improve performance or cheat in competition ("doping") has done the most to raise awareness of steroid misuse.

Anabolic steroids are drugs that help the growth and repair of muscle tissue. They are synthetic hormones that imitate male sex hormones, specifically testosterone.1

When athletes or their parents hear the word ‘steroid,’ they may envision a muscle-building, performance-enhancing drug that not only destroys the integrity of sport, but also comes with extreme health risks – especially for young athletes.

Anabolic steroids can significantly boost muscle growth and athletic performance when used responsibly alongside diet and exercise. This comprehensive guide teaches about the top steroid supplements for bulking, cutting, strength, and lean muscle mass gains.

A $252 million contract to play baseball causes "an enormous amount of pressure ... to perform at a high level every day," according to Alex Rodriguez, who provided details about the steroids he used as a professional athlete.

Anabolic steroids are medications that are manufactured forms of testosterone. The technical term for these compounds is “anabolic-androgenic steroids” (AAS). “Anabolic” refers to tissue building (mainly muscle), and “androgenic” refers to a group of sex hormones called androgens.

Unlike most illicit drug use, misuse of anabolic steroids most commonly begins in young adulthood rather than adolescence.

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 19, 2008 - Like so many others, I have been addicted to the Beijing Olympics, watching every evening for the past 10 days. NBC has been unable to resist flashing the medal count every day, of course. It would be good not to focus on the medals, but for some ignoring medals must be very hard.

Anabolic steroids have some legitimate medical uses, including for treating hormonal issues in puberty, and to treat muscle loss caused by other diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

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Anabolic steroids are used for some medical conditions, but people also use them illegally in some sports settings. Different types include bulking, performance, and cutting steroids.

Legal steroids refer to workout supplements that may increase muscle mass and athletic performance. However, they are not the same as anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are illegal without a prescription.

Steroids can be effective in treating allergic reactions, depending on the type and severity of the allergy as well as individual response. Here's how steroids may work in treating allergic reactions: