ABSTRACT
Steroids are hormones that occur naturally in the body and control the development and functioning of the reproductive system. The term ‘anabolic’ means to chemically build up, or muscle-building. Steroids are typically used without prescription by athletes and body-builders in order to build up muscle mass, to reduce the fatigue involved in training regimes and to improve physical appearance. A survey of 20 UK towns and cities found that the use of anabolic steroids is becoming mainstream as young men turn to the drugs to boost self-confidence and improve body image (Daly 2006). The findings from the survey indicate that drug workers are seeing young professionals, building
j Describe the therapeutic and adverse effects of anabolic steroids.
