Even with these side effects, anabolic steroids
do have many positive effects as well. Specific medical uses of
anabolic steroids include bone marrow stimulation, growth stimulation,
treatment for chronic wasting, induction of puberty in males and
hormone replacement therapy.
Whether the anabolic steroids are being used for medical
purposes or for general body building and athletic enhancement, the
combinations, dosages and regimens need to be refined to get the best
possible effects of the anabolic steroids with the least amount of
negative side effects.
Most of the time, anabolic steroids are in the news due to
their use and abuse by athletes. Athletes often refer to the
"competitive edge" as a reason to use anabolic steroids – including
teens who are involved in sports. Other people who use anabolic
steroids are non-athletes that want to improve their appearance and
strength in general. Many bodybuilders buy steroids
and many are just regular fitness goers. An interesting fact about
anabolic steroids is that their users are often known to educate
themselves about each specific anabolic steroids before using it more
so than any other type of drug use.
The
term anabolic steroids refers to the process of building muscle or
other body mass including bone and other tissues. While this is good,
anabolic steroids are not a miracle drug. The side effects associated
with anabolic steroids include increased cholesterol levels, kidney and
liver problems and elevated blood pressure. There are also
non-life-threatening side effects of anabolic steroids. These include
acne, increased body hair, cessation of natural production of hormones,
premature baldness and deepening of the voice.