Anabolic steroids were initially developed in 1930s and are now used to contribute towards growth of skeletal muscle and for development of sexual characteristics. Anabolic steroid use in the past has increased particularly among athletes since these have protein building properties. So many bodybuilders and weight lifters tend to opt for anabolic steroid use to achieve improved performance.

Anabolic steroid use helps in decreasing the body fat and also increases the muscle mass. So it is used by many athletes to improve the agility, performance and strength. However use of steroids is considered illegal in sports and so most professional sports bodies have banned steroids. Men use anabolic steroids to get a muscular physique.

Anabolic steroid use is common for treatment of some medical problems like delayed puberty and also treatment of some kinds of impotence. Other problems like body wastage because of conditions like HIV and osteoporosis among menopausal women are also treated with steroids.

Anabolic steroids are used by taking them either orally or through injections. Some anabolic steroids are also available in the form of gels and creams. Steroids can be taken only with a valid prescription and the dosage of steroids is dependent on the condition along with the severity of the condition and the patient’s age.

Many athletes often use two or even more steroids together. These may include a combination of oral and other steroids that can be injected. Such combination of different types of steroids is called stacking. This is done as the athletes believe that combining two or more steroids can help in having greater effects as compared to a single steroid. In some cases athletes indulge in anabolic steroid use for a period of 6 to around 12 weeks and then decrease and stop the steroid intake. After this the steroids are again taken after some time and this is done to avoid the side effects.

Anabolic steroid use can result in some serious side effects. These include reduction of the excretory function of the liver. Steroid use can also result in liver cancer along with blood problems and cardiovascular damage as well. It can cause structural changed in the heart and the possibility of strokes and heart disease increases with the use of steroids. Steroid use can also result in possibility of erectile dysfunction along with impotence. It can cause development of breasts and shrinking of testicles among men. Among women steroids can result in enlargement of clitoris along with growth of facial hair and changes in menstrual cycle.