Even with these side effects, anabolic steroids do have many positive effects as well. Specific medical uses of anabolic steroids include bone marrow stimulation, growth stimulation, treatment for chronic wasting, induction of puberty in males and hormone replacement therapy.
Whether the anabolic steroids are being used for medical purposes or for general body building and athletic enhancement, the combinations, dosages and regimens need to be refined to get the best possible effects of the anabolic steroids with the least amount of negative side effects.
Most of the time, anabolic steroids are in the news due to their use and abuse by athletes. Athletes often refer to the "competitive edge" as a reason to use anabolic steroids – including teens who are involved in sports. Other people who use anabolic steroids are non-athletes that want to improve their appearance and strength in general. Many bodybuilders buy steroids and many are just regular fitness goers. An interesting fact about anabolic steroids is that their users are often known to educate themselves about each specific anabolic steroids before using it more so than any other type of drug use.
The term anabolic steroids refers to the process of building muscle or other body mass including bone and other tissues. While this is good, anabolic steroids are not a miracle drug. The side effects associated with anabolic steroids include increased cholesterol levels, kidney and liver problems and elevated blood pressure. There are also non-life-threatening side effects of anabolic steroids. These include acne, increased body hair, cessation of natural production of hormones, premature baldness and deepening of the voice.