Anabolic steroids have protein building properties and this helps in increasing strength and muscle bulk. The word anabolic comes from a Greek word meaning ‘build up’. Anabolic steroids were initially developed to treat problems of insufficient testosterone production. Anabolic steroids are used to treat some problems like delayed puberty, impotence and body wastage due to HIV infection. Types of anabolic steroids are based on the way in which the administration of the drug is done.

Types of anabolic steroids include oral steroids, steroids that can be injected and transdermal steroids. Oral steroids are taken in the form of pills and transdermal steroids include applications in the form of crèmes or transdermal patches.

Types of anabolic steroids include oral steroids and these can be detected within the body for a period of several weeks even after the person has stopped taking them. Many athletes tend to experiment with oral anabolic steroids in the initial period. Oral steroids can be easily stored and used but these can cause severe side effects. Many athletes use oral steroids in combination with steroids that can be injected believing that this will have greater effect.

Many athletes use short duration oral steroids when a sports event draws closer. Then the oral steroids are stopped just before the event so as to ensure that the test for steroids does not come out positive. Steroids that can be injected are other types of anabolic steroids and these are injected in the muscle tissue. Once they are injected in the muscle tissue they are released in the body and these can be detected even months after the last use.

Injected steroids are those types of anabolic steroids that are tolerated well as compared to oral steroids. This is why steroids that are injected are used on a long term basis. Injecting excess drug is a possibility that can occur while using the steroids. Likewise people injecting steroids may not pay attention to sterilization and other hygiene aspects. Sharing of needles can also increase the risk of contracting infections like Hepatitis and AIDS.

People often inject steroids in areas like outer thighs, shoulders and buttocks. Injecting steroids in biceps and triceps can prove to be dangerous. Athletes take different types of anabolic steroids because these help in improving strength, improving speed and stamina and steroids also help in recovering from injuries. Before taking steroids it is advisable to get complete information about the steroids and their effects.