Since its discovery in 1935, numerous derivatives of testosterone have been synthesized, with the goals of prolonging its biological activity in vivo, producing orally active androgens, and developing products, commonly referred to as anabolic - androgenic steroids that are more anabolic and less androgenic than the parent molecule.

The muscle enhancing action of testosterone and its derivatives and their stimulatory effects on the brain have led to widespread use of anabolic steroids by athletes and "recreational" drug users. Consequently, all anabolic steroids were classified as class III controlled substances in 1991.

Alternative to Anabolic Steroids
Creatine muscle building powder
Protein supplements

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Anabolic Steroids use and Medical Conditions
Anabolic steroids have shown some benefit in a variety of human disorders, including HIV-related muscle wasting and other catabolic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe burn injuries, and alcoholic hepatitis. Because of their diverse biological actions, anabolic steroids have been used to treat a variety of other conditions, including bone marrow failure syndromes, constitutional growth retardation in children, and hereditary angioedema.

Anabolic Steroid Side effect
Anabolic steroid therapy is associated with various side effects that are generally dose related; therefore, illicit use of megadoses of anabolic steroids for the purpose of bodybuilding and enhancement of athletic performance can lead to serious and irreversible organ damage. The most common side effects of anabolic steroids are some degree of masculinization in women and children, behavioral changes (eg, aggression), liver damage, and alteration of blood lipid levels and coagulation factors.
     Anabolic steroids could also raise levels of homocysteine. Bodybuilders who used the muscle-building anabolic steroids have increased levels of homocysteine, an amino acid tied to increased mortality, heart disease risk and blood vessel damage.

Male bodybuilders who take muscle-building anabolic steroids have a dip in levels of male hormones, shrunken testicles, low sperm counts, enlarged breasts, and low blood levels of heart-healthy HDL-cholesterol. International Journal of Sports Medicine, September 2008.

Anabolic Steroid Use Summary
To minimize or avoid serious toxicities with anabolic steroid therapy, close medical supervision and periodic monitoring are important, with dose adjustment as appropriate to achieve the minimum effective dose. Given the biological effects and potential adverse effects of anabolic steroids, administration of these agents should be avoided in pregnant women, women with breast cancer or hypercalcemia, men with carcinoma of the prostate or breast, and patients with nephrotic syndromes or significant liver dysfunction.

Anabolic Steroid and HIV
An oral anabolic steroid can restore the muscle and fat tissue often lost to HIV / AIDS, but the anabolic side effects highlight the dangers that steroids pose to healthy people who abuse them. A study of 262 HIV -positive men found that the anabolic steroid, called oxandrolone, helped treat the substantial weight loss, or wasting, that can arise as a complication of HIV / AIDS. After 12 weeks, men who took the oxandrolone everyday showed gains in both weight and muscle tissue. The side effects of anabolic steroid treatment included an increase in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, and a drop in "good" HDL cholesterol. Some men also developed signs of liver toxicity. These osandrolone side effects, say the researchers, highlight the dangers of healthy people abusing oxandrolone or other anabolic steroids to build muscle. Source: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, March 2006.

Anabolic Steroid use and Crime
Using anabolic steroids is linked to antisocial behavior such as illegal weapon possession and fraud, according a Swedish study that provided a warning about the dangers of the muscle-building drugs. But the researchers said they were somewhat surprised to find that steroid users were no more likely than nonusers to commit violent crimes such as murder and assault. Sexual offenses such as rape and property crimes also were not linked to anabolic steroid use.

Anabolic and sex
Regular use of anabolic steroids over time will have an inhibitory effect over sex health. Heavy use of anabolic steroids may inhibit optimal testicular function.

Anabolic androgenic steroids
Anabolic androgenic steroids are defined as a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of several types of tissues, especially muscle and bone. Anabolic means muscle building whereas catabolic refers to muscle or other tissue degrading. Different anabolic androgenic steroids have varying combinations of androgenic and anabolic properties, and are often referred to in medical texts as anabolic androgenic steroids).