Steroids is the popular name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones known as Androgens, it also promotes muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics. Anabolic Steroids were developed in late 1930’s to medical conditions. Anabolic Steroids are only legally available only with a prescription. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as delayed puberty, some types of impotence, body-wasting in patients suffering from AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), to rebuild tissues weakened by injury or disease, to assist in regaining or maintaining weight after illness, and to aid recovery from breast cancer and osteoporosis in women. Steroids are abused, often by athletes, to enhance athletic performance and to improve physical appearance. It is illegal to use or distribute steroids without a legal prescription. The use of steroid illegally is against the federal law under the Controlled Substance Act. Anabolic Steroids were added to the Controlled Substance Act in February of 1991. YouTube - Anabolic Steroids Guide

•Increased leanness / muscle definition •Increased muscle mass / weight •Increased strength •Increased effectiveness of training •Improved recovery rate •Euphoria •Increased aggressiveness •Increased sex drive

•Increased risk of mood disturbances including mania and depression •Increased risk of psychosis •Increased risk of aggressive acts which may injure self or others •Increased risk of cardiovascular disease •Increased risk of liver disease and cancer •Increased risk of kidney disease and cancer •Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B & C from contaminated needles •Acne •Bad breath •Baldness •Water retention •Muscle cramps •Aching joints •Increased risk of muscle tears •Increased risk of tendon injuries •Increased risk of nose bleeds •Insomnia •Decrease in immune system effectiveness •Infertility

•Increased risk of prostate enlargement and cancer •Decreased testicular size •Gynecomastia (growth of breasts)

•Increased risk of cervical and endometrial cancer •Increased risk of osteoporosis •Irreversible enlargement of the clitoris •Irreversible hoarsening and deepening of the voice •Irreversible increase in facial and body hair •Decreased breast size •Amenorrhea •Uterine atrophy

•weight lifting•bodybuilders•Athletes (baseball, football, etc.)•body guards•construction workers•law enforcement officers

The reason that most of these occupations have chosen to use steroids is they felt they needed to have the competitive edge. Most individuals do not realize that they are even abusing them because they have been giving information form word of mouth of how to use them and they just assume that what they hear is the truth. But the truth is that they can be very dangerous and have many side effects that affect everyone differently depending on your gender, age, and medical condition.

There are physical and psychological dangers associated with anabolic steroids. Some of the physical side effects include:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EmLRUXqiP0

•High blood cholesterol levels - high blood cholesterol levels may lead to cardiovascular problems •Severe acne •Thinning of hair and baldness •Fluid retention •High blood pressure •Liver disorders (liver damage and jaundice) •Steroids can affect fetal development during pregnancy •Risk of contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases from sharing infected needles •Sexual & reproductive disorder

•Atrophy (wasting away of tissues or organs) of the testicles  •Loss of sexual drive •Diminished or decreased sperm production  •Breast and prostate enlargement  •Decreased hormone levels  •Sterility

•Menstrual irregularities •Infertility •Masculinizing effects such as facial hair, diminished breast size, permanently deepened voice, and enlargement of the clitoris

•Mood swings (including manic-like symptoms leading to violence) •Impaired judgment (stemming from feelings of invincibility) •Depression •Nervousness •Extreme irritability •Delusions •Hostility and aggression

Anabolic steroids were only intended for medical use only in the beginning. Then people realized what kinds of results they could get if they took them for other reasons such as body building, athletics, etc. Ever since then they have been abused by individuals seeking strength, and stamina. When taking steroids usually one dose will not do a person any good that is seeking long term results. So steroid seekers often take cycles, some take as many as 3 cycles a year. Taking steroids regularly will make your body dependent of steroids and after time there body will not produce enough testosterone on its own and results such as testicular atrophy, reduced libido, impotence, depression and loss of muscular development.

There are very few anabolic steroids that are being used for the intended manner in the UK. Some anabolic steroids are used to treat wasting illnesses, dwarfism, gender reassignment and other conditions in the UK which is what they are actually intended for.

The result of abuse of steroids is a list that goes on and on, but one of the biggest ones is probably liver damage. Taking steroids does give you an ego boost which some people need, but the end result is much worse. If used for the personal they were intended for it could be very beneficial. Federal Agencies though expect that the number of steroid users to increase, and that anabolic steroids will be one of the most illegally distributed drugs on the streets.