What are anabolic steroids?
Q: What are anabolic steroids?
A: Anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids) are steroidal androgens, which include natural androgens such as testosterone and synthetic androgens with similar chemical structure and effects to testosterone.
Q: What do anabolic steroids do?
A: Anabolic steroids increase protein within cells, mainly skeletal muscles, cause the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics, and stimulate the growth of hair on the face and body.
Q: Where does the word "anabolic" come from?
A: The word anabolic comes from the Greek word "anabole", which means "that which is thrown up, mound".
Q: When were anabolic steroids first synthesized?
A: Anabolic steroids were first synthesized in the 1930s.
Q: How are anabolic steroids used in medicine?
A: Anabolic steroids are used in medicine to bring on muscle growth and appetite, as well as to treat chronic wasting conditions such as AIDS or cancer.
Q: What health risks can be associated with long term use of anabolics? A: Long term use of anabolics can lead to or cause harmful health effects including changes in cholesterol levels, acne, high blood pressure and liver damage.
Q: Why is their use controversial in sports? A:The use of anabolics in sports is controversial because it gives athletes unfair advantage over other competitors while also causing potential harm due to adverse side effects.
