Anabolic steroids are compounds that are synthetically derived from testosterone. They cause increased synthesis of protein and this helps in increasing appetite, bone growth, increased muscle mass and strength. Prescription anabolic steroids were essentially developed to treat some medical conditions like treatment of arthritis and body wastage because of illnesses like AIDS along with other problems.

Prescription anabolic steroids can be taken under the guidance of medical health professionals for treatment of chronic infections or for severe trauma and burns or some extensive surgery. Anemia may also be treated with steroids along with other conditions like angioedema or growth failure.

Anabolic steroids are schedule III drugs in United States and so cannot be taken without a valid prescription. The anabolic steroid control act passed in 2004 states that only prescription anabolic steroids that are legally obtained can be used. Even then anabolic steroids are obtained by bodybuilders and other professionals illicitly. Prescription anabolic steroids are used by athletes because they believe these drugs help them recover well after an injury. If these anabolic steroids are obtained illicitly then it is a federal crime and may result in prosecution. A large number of adolescents have also started using steroids. It is believed that this use of steroids is by that group of young individuals who suffer from behavioral problems like having a distorted body image.

Prescription anabolic steroids used on a long term basis can have severe and harmful effects on the body and so these should be taken only under the proper medical guidance. Anabolic steroids can result in a lot of effects and these include increased blood pressure and cholesterol. Anabolic steroids can also cause cardiovascular and liver problems.

Long term use of anabolic steroids can cause certain specific and harmful effects in men as well as women. In men it can result in development of breast like tissue and can also cause shrinking of testicles. In women anabolic steroids taken for a long period of time can result in deepening of voice and clitoral enlargement.