Anabolic steroids are controlled substances banned by most sports organizations for use as an athletic performance enhancer. When used, it makes athletes more powerful and muscular and gives athletes a competitive edge. Many athletes and bodybuilders abuse anabolic steroids. There are many types of steroids. Some are naturally produced in the body and others are synthetically manufactured. Steroids are also used for various purposes for treating different illnesses and diseases. Anabolic steroids should not be confused with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are used to reduce swelling and treat overactive immune responses. They can be applied topically or injected depending on the indications.

Anabolic steroids are synthetically manufactured male hormones or testosterone. Both males and females produce testosterone but males produce it more than females. It is the hormone that deepens the voice and develops the male-type structure in humans as well as animals. Like all hormones, which regulate the body’s basic functions, having a testosterone imbalance (whether deficiency or excess) can cause various physiological and psychological consequences, and can affect the health.

When do doctors prescribe steroids?

Doctors prescribe anabolic steroids to patients who have hormonal imbalance caused by various medical conditions, specifically for males suffering delayed puberty. It is also prescribed for older males with loss of testicular function. Anabolic steroids is also used to treat muscle wasting in AIDS and cancer patients because it helps develop leaner body mass. Doctors are not allowed to prescribe steroids to athletes or as a performance enhancer.

Are steroids illegal?

Because steroids are controlled substances it is used, distributed and purchased within certain regulations and limitations. Without a doctor’s prescription for a valid medical condition, it is illegal to possess steroids. Illicit steroid use can lead to legal prosecution. Under federal law, the first time a person is caught in the possession of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription, that person can be fined up to $1,000 and serve a sentence of up to one year in prison. For a first-time offense of steroids trafficking, the maximum penalty is a $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison. A second offense can lead to double the penalty. Besides federal law, steroids are also illegal under state law and for most sports organizations, including international sports federations such as the Olympics. There is an international organization, called the World Anti-Doping Agency, which regulates the use of steroids in international sports.

Side-effects of steroids

Anabolic steroids affect the entire body and can have unwanted side-effects. Some of these side-effects are common across all users while other side –effects are specific only to the person’s sex or age.

Sex-specific side-effects

Men who take anabolic steroids may develop breasts, get painful erections and become impotent or infertile. It may also cause them to have decrease sperm count and shrunk testicles. In women, unwanted side-effects of anabolic steroid use include excessive growth of facial and body hair, developing a deeper voice, experiencing irregular menstrual cycle. They may also experience reduced breast size, enlarged clitoris, and masculinized female fetus. Steroids side-effects for both males and females include acne, oily skin and scalp, balding, tendon rupture, hear attacks, enlarged heart, liver disease, mood swings, rages, delusions, and high cholesterol.

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