All steroids are made from cholesterol. Anabolic, or androgenic steroids are those that build muscle and increase masculine characteristics; these steroids are synthetic and available legally only by prescription. They are used for treatment of conditions that result from decreased production of testosterone (such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence) and muscle wasting in AIDS.

Anabolic steroids are widely abused by individuals seeking to improve physical appearance and athletic performance.

Abuse in higher in males, sometimes starting before high school. While few statistics are available for adults, the University of Michigan’s 2004 MTF (Monitoring the Future) Survey showed that 1.9% of 8th grade males had used steroids, 2.4% of 10th graders, and 3.4% of 12th graders. The frequent abuse of anabolic steroid abuse among professional athletes, such as runners, cyclists, baseball players, swimmers, weightlifters, and bodybuilders have been in the media spotlight for some years. Abusers use as much as 100x the levels used by legal prescription.

How are steroids taken?

Administration is either orally or by injection. ‘Cycling’ refers to taking multiple doses for a period of weeks or months, stopping, and then restarting. ‘Stacking” combines different types of steroids for maximum effect.