Anabolic Steroids

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, the main sex hormone in men. Testosterone helps develop and maintain male physical characteristics such as facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle growth. Women also have testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.

What are anabolic steroids used for?

Doctors prescribe anabolic steroids to treat certain hormone problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss from some diseases. Some people misuse them — taking them without a prescription, or at much higher doses than a doctor would prescribe.

Why do people misuse anabolic steroids?

Some bodybuilders and athletes take anabolic steroids to build muscle and improve athletic performance. They may swallow tablets, inject into muscle, or apply creams. Doses used for this purpose are often 10 to 100 times higher than medical doses. This is neither legal nor safe — sale without a prescription is prohibited in India, and many anabolic steroids are controlled under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

What are the health effects of misusing anabolic steroids?

Long-term misuse of anabolic steroids is linked with many health problems:

• Acne
• Stunted growth in teens
• High blood pressure
• Changes in cholesterol
• Heart problems, including heart attack
• Liver disease, including liver cancer
• Kidney damage
• Mood changes — irritability, aggressive behaviour

In men, misuse can also cause:

• Baldness
• Breast growth (gynaecomastia)
• Low sperm count / infertility
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Testicular cancer

In women, misuse can also cause:

• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Growth of body and facial hair
• Male-pattern baldness
• Voice deepening
• Decreased breast size

Are anabolic steroids addictive?

Even though anabolic steroids don't produce a "high," they can still lead to addiction. People may experience withdrawal when they stop, including:

• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Decreased sex drive
• Steroid cravings
• Depression, sometimes severe and with suicidal thoughts

Behavioural therapy and medicines can help treat anabolic steroid addiction. Talk to a doctor if you or someone you know is struggling.