Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormones, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Anabolic steroids are used by different people for different uses. While medical practitioners recommend steroids to their patients for treating severe health complications such as asthma, cancer, Kawasaki's disease, sinusitis, and Alzheimer's disease, sportsmen use steroids to stay ahead of the competition in form of muscle mass gains, body weight gains or reductions, and staying away from fatigue during strenuous workout sessions.

Common Names or Slang names of Steroids

Steroids are known by many names such as Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), Anabolic steroids, Roids, Juice, Arnold, and Sauce.

Names of Popular Steroids

Some of the most popular steroids are Anavar, Anadrol, Deca Durabolin, Dianabol, Clenbuterol, Winstrol, Testosterone cypionate, Oral Turinabol, and Omnadren.

Scope of Steroid Abuse

In the past, the male community used to exercise dominance over steroid use. But nowadays, the number of female users on steroids is very much on the same line as that of male users.

According to a 2008 NIDA-funded study, 1.4% of 8th and 10th graders and 2.2% of 12th graders make use of steroids. Though these are negligible figures, it is still disturbing to note that young and budding sportsmen and schoolers use anabolic steroids in quest to stay ahead of the competition.

Positive Effects of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids have a positive effect on male sexual characteristics. Anabolics are exceptional products when it comes to promoting cell growth and protein synthesis from amino acids. In addition to these benefits, anabolic steroids are useful for ensuring improvements in the levels of bone remodeling, appetite, body strength, muscle mass, muscle size, muscle function, and bone marrow stimulation. Anabolic steroids can also contribute extensively to facilitate an increase in the size of skeletal muscles leading to increased strength.

Negative Effects of Anabolic Steroids

When abused or of a low-grade quality, use of anabolic steroids can lead to possible side effects such as acne, oily skin, liver damage, depression, insomnia, dizziness, vomiting, gynecomastia, sexual dysfunction, and temporary infertility.

In short, anabolic steroids are exceptional products with multiple uses but good only when recommended and used as per qualified medical advice.