Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are frequently utilized to enhance physical performance and build muscle mass.

Medical uses

Anabolic steroids have limited medical uses, primarily to treat conditions that result in muscle loss or low testosterone levels. Some of these conditions include:

Delayed puberty: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat delayed puberty in boys who have not begun to develop male sexual characteristics by the age of 14.
Muscle loss due to disease: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat muscle loss caused by diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Low testosterone levels in men: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat men who have low testosterone levels due to medical conditions such as hypogonadism, Klinefelter’s syndrome, or pituitary tumors.

Misuse

Anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance physical performance and build muscle mass. This misuse can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:

Increased risk of heart attack and stroke: Anabolic steroids can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Liver damage: Anabolic steroids can damage the liver, leading to liver failure in some cases.
Kidney damage: Anabolic steroids can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure in some cases.
Stunted growth: Anabolic steroids can stunt growth in adolescents by causing the bones to mature prematurely.
Mood swings and aggression: Anabolic steroids can cause mood swings, aggression, and other psychiatric problems.
Increased risk of cancer: Anabolic steroids may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer and prostate cancer.

Legal status

Anabolic steroids are a controlled substance in most countries, including the United States. Possession and distribution of anabolic steroids without a prescription is illegal.

If you are considering using anabolic steroids, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

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