The drugs are artificially derived from the main male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is important for promoting and maintaining muscle growth and developing secondary male sex characteristics, such as a deepening voice and facial hair.
Anabolic steroids, also called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), can build muscle and improve athletic performance, but they can also have significant adverse effects, especially when used incorrectly.
Long-term, non-medical uses are linked to heart problems, unwanted physical changes, and aggression. There is growing concern worldwide about the non-medical use of steroids and its effects.
Street names include Arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, roids, and stackers.
AASs are synthetic versions of the primary male hormone, testosterone. They affect many parts of the body, including the muscles, bones, hair follicles, liver, kidneys, blood, immune system, reproductive system and the central nervous system.
During puberty, increases in testosterone levels enable the development of characteristics such as facial and body hair growth, increased height and muscle mass, a deepening voice, and the sex drive.
Testosterone can also contribute to competitiveness, self-esteem, and aggressiveness.
How do people use them?
Continuous use of AASs can lead to problems such as tolerance. They may even cause the body to stop producing its own testosterone.
Some people use AASs continuously, but others try to minimize their possible adverse effects through different patterns of use.
Cycling: The person takes AASs in cycles of 6 to 12 weeks (known as the "on" period), followed by 4 weeks to several months off.
Stacking: Users combine several different types of steroids or incorporate other supplements in an attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the steroids. This is called "stacking."
Pyramiding: Some users gradually increase the dose to a peak, then reduce the amount.
However, there is no evidence that these methods reduce the risks.
Types
There are up to 32 types of anabolic steroid listed on commercial websites.
Some have only medicinal uses, such as Nebido. Anadrol is an example of a steroid with both medicinal and performance uses.
Others, such as anadur, have no therapeutic use, but athletes use them.
People choose different types for different purposes:
- bulking steroids for building muscle
- performance steroids for strength and endurance
- cutting steroids for burning fat
Other reasons for use include healing and recovery and enhancement of metabolism.
For both medical and illegal purposes, AASs can be taken:
- by mouth
- as pellets implanted under the skin
- by injection
- through the skin as a cream or gel
Oral forms are taken by mouth. They include:
- Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), or "Halo"
- Mesterolone (Proviron)
- Methandienone (Dianabol), or "Dbol"
- Methyltestosterone (Virilon)
- Mibolerone (Cheque)
- Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin), or "Var"
- Oxymetholone (Anadrol), or "Drol"
- Stanozolol (Winstrol), or "Winny"
Injectable forms include:
- Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise), or "EQ"
- Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan), or "Primo"
- Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin), or "Deca"
- Nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin), or "NPP"
- Testosterone cypionate (Depotest)
- Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro)
- Testosterone propionate (Testex)
- Trenbolone acetate (Finajet), or "Tren"
AASs 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.
Medical uses
Some types of steroid are commonly used for medical treatment. For example, corticosteroids can help people with asthma to breathe during an attack.
Testosterone is also prescribed for a number of hormone-related conditions, such as hypogonadism.
However, AASs are not commonly prescribed as a treatment.
In the U.S., an AAS is a schedule III controlled substance available only by prescription. The use of these drugs is only legal when prescribed by a medical provider.
Medical conditions they are used to treat include:
- delayed puberty
- conditions that lead to muscle loss, such as cancer and stage 3 HIV, or AIDS
Testosterone and several of its esters, as well as methyltestosterone, nandrolone decanoate, and oxandrolone, are the main anabolic-androgenic steroids currently prescribed in the U.S.
Steroids in sport
Steroids in sport
Non-medical use of steroids is not permitted in the U.S. Under the Controlled Substance Act, unlawful possession and distribution are subject to federal and state laws.
As it is not legal for athletic purposes, there is no legal control over the quality or use of drugs sold for this purpose.
Illegal steroids are obtained through the internet and through informal dealers, like other illegal drugs. However, they may also be available through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors, and veterinarians.
"Designer" steroids are sometimes produced to enable athletes to pass doping tests. Their composition and use are entirely unregulated, adding to the hazards they pose.
Athletes often consume steroids on a trial-and-error basis, using information gained from other athletes, coaches, websites or gym "gurus." As a result, they do not have access to medical information and support that can keep them safe while using these drugs.
Side effects
Side effects
The adverse effects of AAS use depend on the product, the age and sex of the user, how much they use, and for how long.
Legally prescribed normal-dose anabolic steroids may have the following side effects:
- acne
- fluid retention
- difficulty or pain when urinating
- enlarged male breasts, known as gynecomastia
- increased red cell count
- lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol
- hair growth or loss
- low sperm count and infertility
- changes in libido
Users will attend follow-up appointments and take periodic blood tests to monitor for unwanted effects.
Non-medical use of steroids can involve quantities from 10 to 100 times the amount used for medical purposes.
Incorrect use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of:
- cardiovascular problems
- sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction
- liver problems, including tumors and other types of damage
- tendon rupture, due to the degeneration of collagen
- osteoporosis and bone loss, as steroid use affects the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D
In adolescents, it can result in:
- permanently stunted growth
In men, there may be:
- shrinking testicles
- sterility
- enlarged breasts
Women may experience:
- changes to the menstrual cycle
- deepening of the voice
- lengthening of the clitoris
- increased facial and body hair
- shrinking breasts
- increased sex drive
Some of these changes may be permanent, even after stopping use.
There is also a risk of:
- liver damage
- aggression and feelings of hostility
- mood and anxiety disorders
- reckless behavior
- psychological dependence and addiction
People who suddenly discontinue AAS after using them for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression.
Health risks
Health risks
Apart from these adverse effects, there are other health risks.
- Sharing needles to inject steroids increases the chance of contracting or transmitting blood-borne infectious diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV.
- The use of unlicensed products carries a risk of poisoning.
Psychiatric symptoms can develop in people who use steroids for a long time.
These include:
- severe mood swings
- paranoia and delusions
- impaired judgment
- feelings of invincibility
- mania and anger — known as "roid rage" — that may lead to violence
These extreme and unwanted effects can affect those who are already prone to these types of behaviors.
Long-term, unregulated use of AASs can affect some of the same brain pathways and chemicals that are affected by other drugs, such as opiates. This can result in dependency and possibly addiction.
The American Psychological Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (DSM-5) considers abuse of and dependence on AASs a diagnosable condition.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal
Misuse of steroids can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops taking them.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- fatigue
- restlessness
- mood swings
- depression
- fatigue
- insomnia
- reduced sex drive
- cravings
The first step in treating anabolic steroid abuse is to discontinue use and to seek medical help in order to address any psychiatric or physical symptoms that might occur.
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