Steroids are a large group of compounds produced by the body of all animals, including humans. Steroids occur naturally or can be produced synthetically. Different groups of steroids include corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, androgenic steroids, oestrogenic steroids and anti-inflammatory steroids.
In Australia, using steroids without a doctor’s prescription is illegal. Steroids may be prescribed by a doctor to treat some illnesses including:
- Testosterone deficiency.
- Certain kinds of anaemia.
- Some kinds of breast cancer.
- Calcium deficiency.
- Muscle-wasting conditions.
Athletes, body builders and some young people may use steroids illegally to improve their appearance or athletic performance. The types of steroids used by people who wish to build muscle and increase their body size are usually anabolic steroids. These are a group of drugs that include the male sex hormone testosterone and its synthetic alternatives.
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development of sex characteristics. For example, at puberty, it produces acne, growth spurts, body hair, deepening of the voice and development of male sex organs. It is found in large amounts in males and small amounts in females.
Anabolic androgenic steroids have two types of effects. Anabolic effects include increased muscle growth. The androgenic component increases the body’s male characteristics.