Introduction

Anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.

If used in this way, they can cause serious side effects and addiction .

Anabolic steroids are manufactured drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. They have limited medical uses and aren't to be confused with corticosteroids , a different type of steroid drug that's commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions.

This page explains the dangers of misusing anabolic steroids, and aims to advise and support those who are addicted to the drugs. It covers:

  • anabolic steroids and the law
  • why people misuse anabolic steroids
  • how they are taken
  • side effects
  • addiction
  • getting help
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017