Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. Steroids may help increase growth, build muscle tissue, and make bones stronger.
Anabolic steroids are prescription medicines. They should only be used for medical reasons. People who use illegal anabolic steroids put their health at risk.
Current as of:
May 12, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John R. Hughes, MD - Addiction Psychiatry & Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction