Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. Steroids may help increase growth, build muscle tissue, and make bones stronger.

Anabolic steroids are prescription medicines. They should only be used for medical reasons. People who use anabolic steroids without a prescription or misuse the prescribed medicine put their health at risk.