Anabolic steroids are part of synthetic hormones that help in promoting cell growth and this helps in building muscle mass. Anabolic steroids have different anabolic and androgenic qualities. These were first discovered during the 1930s and were meant for treatment of some medical conditions. However because of the muscle building properties of anabolic steroids bodybuilding professionals started using these steroids.

Steroid allows for increase in the testosterone levels within the body. This is done through bypassing the usual pathway for synthesis of testosterone. This testosterone is directly added to the blood. The anabolic and androgenic effects depend on the type of steroid being used. With these properties of anabolic steroids bodybuilding arena has seen extensive use of steroids.

Anabolic steroids help in stimulating appetite along with muscle and bone growth. With these benefits of anabolic steroids bodybuilding professionals put on weight and developed muscled and bulky bodies. Steroids in bodybuilding also allow these professionals to train much harder and for longer periods of time.

With use of anabolic steroids bodybuilding professionals hope to get the benefits of increased muscle mass and at the same time minimize the side effects associated with the use of steroids. For this purpose the selection of steroids has to be carefully done. Many bodybuilding professionals take multiple steroids as they believe these steroids help in building of muscles effectively. The period of time over which the steroids are taken is called as the anabolic steroid cycle.

While using anabolic steroids bodybuilding professionals often start off at lower doses and gradually increase the doses. This is done so as to ensure that the body adjusts to the steroids without too many problems. Many bodybuilding professionals also start off by using a particular steroid at the beginning and end the cycle with a different steroid.

However use of these steroids often results in some harmful side effects. Steroids can result in changes in the behavior and moods of a person. Steroid use is often accompanied by increased aggressiveness among the users. Steroid use is also known to cause cardiovascular problems, increased blood pressure, euphoria, increased sexual arousal and liver problems.

Some other problems associated with use of steroids include acne, development of breast like tissue among men and shrinking of testicles. Women may experience deepening of voice, growth of facial hair along with enlargement of the clitoris.