Anabolic steroids belong to a group of powerful and dangerous compounds that are chemically associated to the male sex hormone testosterone. The word anabolic refers to muscle building. Testosterone is produced naturally in the body, but it can also be produced synthetically. Testosterone is responsible for ordinary growth and development of the male sex organs. Additionally, testosterone facilitates to thicken the vocal cord and distribute fat within the body. Synthetic and artificially produced testosterone is able to act like the body�s naturally occurring testosterone, consequently building muscle tissues and body mass. The history of anabolic steroids dates back to 1930 when they were artificially developed to aid men who faced difficulties in producing insufficient amounts of the hormone naturally.

More than 100 different types of anabolic steroids have been developed, the legal use of which needs proper medical prescription. Weight lifters, body builders, and athletes to gain a competitive advantage and/or improve their physical appearance sometimes illegally use anabolic steroids. Minor doses of anabolic steroids are at times prescribed to take care of serious medical conditions such as diabetes.

Anabolic steroids can be taken as pills or injected into the body. It can also be applied or rubbed on the skin in the form of gels and creams. When anabolic steroids are injected into the body, there is an increased level of danger as the users are subject to diseases such as AIDS. Anabolic steroids can be used in combination with other drugs. Anabolic steroids have a wide range of severe side effects. These range from physical unattractiveness such as acne and breast development in men, to others that are life threatening.

Teenagers are not afraid to experiment with anabolic steroids after receiving misinformation from the fitness industry and magazines. Online shopping for anabolic steroids is a trendy phenomenon among bodybuilders, both amateur and professional.