What is Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the primary male sex

hormone. These substances are desined to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body, promoting muscle growth (anabolic effects) and

the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects). Here are some key points about anabolic steroids:

• Medical Use: Anabolic steroids can be prescribed by doctors to treat various medical conditions, such as delaved puberty, certain   types  of impotence, and body wasting in patients with diseases like AIDS or other illnesses that result in muscle loss.

• Performance Enhancement: Athletes and bodybuilders often use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass, strength, and  endurance. However, their use for performance enhancement is illegal in many sports and can lead to serious health consequences.

• Forms and Administration: Anabolic steroids can be taken orally,injected intramuscularly, or applied topically through gels or   creams.Common forms include tablets, capsules, and liquid iniections.

• Common Types: Some of the most well-known anabolic steroids include:

Testosterone (various esters like cypionate, enanthate)

Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin)

Stanozolol(winstrol)

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Side Effects and Risks: The misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to a range of adverse effects, including.

• Cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes
• Liver damage or liver cancer
• Hormonal imbalances, leading to conditions like gynecomastia (breast development in men) and testicular shrinkage
• Psychiatric effects such as aggression, mood swings, and depression
• Increased risk of infections due to needle sharing