Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that are designed to replicate the effects of testosterone, the male sex hormone. They have medically approved uses, but are popular among athletes and bodybuilders for rapid muscle growth.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) as they are more formally known, are synthetic forms of testosterone. Anabolic refers to the muscle-building effects of the substance, and androgenic refers to the promotion of masculine traits.
Doctors prescribe anabolic steroids for testosterone deficiency in men, delayed puberty in men and some cancers. Also in medicine, to treat muscle loss associated with muscle wasting diseases for various conditions, such as AIDS.
Aside from being prescribed, anabolic steroids are often used for their enhanced physical appearance and athletic performance.
Forms and Types of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are available in multiple forms, which makes them adaptable for different therapeutic and non-medical purposes. Below is a breakdown of the common forms and specific examples.
Forms of Anabolic Steroids
These drugs can be used for a variety of medical and non-medical reasons. Below are some common forms and examples:
- Tablets
Oral steroids are convenient, but can be damaging to the liver.
- Injectable solutions
They are typically longer acting and provide more stable blood levels.
- Creams or topical gels
Applied to the skin with slow absorption.
- Skin patches
Allows for more steady delivery under the skin.
- Implantable pellets
These are small pellets that can be put under the skin for continuous release.
Each form has its benefits with regard to absorption, duration of effects, and user preference.
Examples of Prescription Anabolic Steroids
These are some of the most approved and widely used anabolic steroids available.
- Danazol (Danocrine®)
Most often used in endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease.
- Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin®)
It is used primarily to help increase strength.
- Mesterolone (Proviron®)
An oral steroid that is considered weak and it’s used in male infertility.
- Methyltestosterone (Android®, Testred®)
An older synthetic testosterone.
- Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca-Durabolin®)
It is used to treat forms of anemia and wasting syndromes.
- Oxandrolone (Oxandrin®)
Prescribed to minimise muscle loss and for severe weight loss.
- Oxymetholone (Anadrol®)
A potent anabolic steroid to allow for weight gain in chronic conditions.
- Testosterone (Androderm®, Natesto®, Testopel®)
Encompasses a multitude of testosterone replacement therapies.
These steroids have different strengths, how they are delivered, and the reason they are prescribed and hence different steroids are tailored to patient needs.
Difference Between Steroids and Anabolic Steroids
Steroids are categorised into two main classes with different roles, each serving a slightly different purpose. You should understand the difference to define the different roles of anabolic steroids, as well as their medical applications versus misuse.
- Corticosteroids
They mimic the effects of cortisol and are predominantly designed to reduce inflammation and suppress immune response. These types of medications are used to treat common disease processes such as asthma, arthritis, lupus, etc.
- Anabolic steroids
These compounds are produced from testosterone. They stimulate muscle growth and enhance male secondary sexual characteristics, and stimulate red blood cell production. They can be administered for several conditions which require hormone replacement or muscle fuel replacement.
Corticosteroids, being more ubiquitous, are often prescribed for a variety of conditions and are unrelated to the performance-enhancing end of usage for anabolic steroids.
What Do Anabolic Steroids Treat?
Anabolic steroids serve legitimate purposes in modern medicine. They are used to manage hormonal disorders and chronic conditions.
FDA-approved uses
These are the diseases for which anabolic steroids are used and are clinically established and regulated by the FDA:
- Primary male hypogonadism
This is the condition of having low testosterone.
- Delayed puberty in boys
Anabolic steroids can be prescribed to start the puberty period for adolescents who do not reach puberty due to hormone delays.
- Selective breast cancers
Especially those that are possible to manipulate with hormones.
- Endometriosis
It can decrease symptoms and suppress hormone cycling.
- Osteoporosis
In resistant and complicated cases, to strengthen the bones when first-line therapies do not work successfully.
Off-label uses
These options fall outside of the FDA, but continue to be practical because of clinical needs:
- Stimulated appetite
In individuals who have lost large amounts of weight for a medical reason.
- Stimulation of bone marrow
Used in conditions such as aplastic anemia, it does not necessarily serve a clinical purpose.
- Growth failure in children
When children do not respond to all traditional treatments for growth.
- Muscle wasting.
In diseases such as cachexia associated with AIDS and cancer.
Before you start using any medication, you should consult your doctor. Do not prescribe anabolic steroids by yourself, because it can lead to several side effects.
How Do Anabolic Steroids Work?
Anabolic steroids function in the body by binding to androgen receptors to induce effects parallel to those intended by testosterone. This results in increased cellular activity, primarily in muscle. Below is a table which shows the main anabolic steroids functions:
| Function | Description |
| Protein synthesis | Stimulates the rebuilding of muscle fibers after physical stress. |
| Nitrogen retention | A positive nitrogen balance is essential for muscle repair. |
| Red blood cell production | Better oxygen delivery to muscles, supporting endurance and stamina. |
| Cortisol suppression | Less muscle breakdown is caused by stress hormones like cortisol. |
| IGF-1 stimulation | Growth hormone activity aids tissue repair and hypertrophy. |
| Inhibition of catabolism | Prevents muscle wasting, preserving gains made through training. |
| Satellite cell activation | Support for the regeneration and growth of muscle cells during recovery. |
These effects offer synergistic effects resulting in improvements to strength, recovery, and athletic performance in general and especially when combined with appropriate diet and resistance training.
Anabolic Steroid Misuse
Anabolic steroids are often misused, especially in sports and bodybuilding. Many individuals take much more than the medically recommended doses of anabolic steroids to build muscle size and strength in a much shorter time.
Such misuse is associated with psychological conditions, such as muscle dysmorphia, wherein a person with this condition perceives that their body is not muscular enough. This can lead to harmful long-term steroid abuse patterns and medical complications.
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
Although anabolic steroids can bring strong benefits, they can also carry a lot of risk if abused or taken without the supervision of a physician.
Side Effects with Prescription Use
Prescription use is not free of side effects, both from the anabolic steroid effect and hormones. I find that many doctors prescribe anabolic steroids without informing their patients of potential side effects. Side effects of anabolic steroids that are often seen include the following:
- Acne or oily skin
Increased sebum may cause acne or oily skin.
- Fluid retention
This may either be noticeable as swollen ankles from fluid retention, or only as a bloated abdomen.
- Enlarged prostate
It may make voiding difficult (seen in some men).
- Gynecomastia
Development of female breast tissue in men.
- Menstrual cycle changes
Hormonal fluctuations can affect the menstrual cycle in women.
- Sleep apnea
A change in respiratory patterns can be due to hormones.
- Testicular atrophy
Hormonal suppression can shrink testicles.
Most of these side effects can be managed with supervision from the doctor and often dissipate when the use is discontinued.
Side Effects of Misuse
When anabolic steroids are taken without medical supervision, the possibility of harm is multiplied because of excessive dosing and lack of oversight.
General side effects:
- High blood pressure
- Heart issues
- Liver damage
- Severe acne and cysts
- Baldness
- Psychiatric symptoms
In men:
- Infertility
- Gynecomastia
- Atrophy of the testicles
- Increased cancer risk
In women:
- Voice deepening
- Reduced breast size
- Hirsutism
The severity of these complications depends on the duration and amount of steroid used.
Can Anabolic Steroids Be Used Safely?
Yes, anabolic steroids can be safely prescribed and managed if used under the care of a healthcare professional. These protocols have strict dosing and require regular assessments of health.
The most dangerous use of steroids is that which is illegal and recreational. When prescribed, medical management reduces the chances of significant side effects and can help to ensure the treatment is successful and needs-adjusted accordingly.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to keep in contact with a healthcare provider throughout your use of anabolic steroids. Regular appointments for therapy help to track the positive effects and notice any adverse reactions that may have arisen.
You should consult with a healthcare professional if:
- Experience concerning side effects.
- A prescribed course of treatment seems ineffective.
- Think of stopping the medication.
Timely healthcare advice means that your treatment is both safe and useful. Do not hesitate to consult with a doctor, and always buy only original products from online sources.
