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Hundreds of thousands of young men use anabolic steroids in the United States even though they are illegal to use without a doctor's prescription. Just for your information, anabolic steroids are derivatives of a naturally occurring substance called testosterone , a hormone manufactured by the testes that is responsible for males being males. Women manufacture a small amount in their ovaries and both genders manufacture small amounts in their adrenal glands.

Testosterone has two effects, androgenic and anabolic. Androgenic effects are increased facial hair, deepening of the voice and increased libido (sex drive). Androgenic effects predominate in testosterone supplements.

Anabolic effects are increased muscle mass and predominate in anabolic steroids. The key point to remember is that testosterone supplements are promoted as a way to slow the aging process whereas anabolic steroids are promoted as a way to build muscle mass, improve athletic performance and enhance the male physique.

This INFOMED deals mainly with anabolic steroids although it mentions testosterone supplements in passing. There is a specific INFOMED that deals with testosterone supplements.

These two classes overlap and the main problem with anabolic steroids is that many users take dosages that are too high. Furthermore when they stop taking them, they encounter withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, individuals are willing to take considerable risks with their health by taking anabolic steroids to enhance their appearance and physical prowess. Football great Lyle Alzado blamed his impending death on the anabolic steroids he took to maintain his edge. The actor Sylvester Stallone was arrested in Australia for carrying vials of testosterone. Many movie observers believe that he maintains his physique (Rambo is now in his 60s), by using these medications.

Testosterone supplements are simply chemically manufactured testosterone. It comes in pills, gels, patches and injectables. In the United States, there are 5 types of testosterone available by prescription: AndroGel, Androderm, Testin 1%, Testoderm and Striat. None of these can be injected although injectable testosterone is available in Europe. Being treated with these medications will probably cost you $100-$200 a month if you don't have health insurance.

Anabolic steroids on the other hand, are chemically-synthesized versions of the natural hormone testosterone with modifications that allow the anabolic effects to predominate. These are also available in many forms such as oral and injectable.

Among the more common oral forms are Anadrol, Dianabol and Winstrol. The more common injectables are Deca-Durabolin, Durabolin and Equipoise. While these drugs are in theory available only with a doctor's prescription, the reality is that they can easily be found in most gyms and on the Internet.

The medical profession and this INFOMED will discourage you from using anabolic steroids (unless there is a valid medical reason) because they have so many side effects. Among the more common medical reasons are muscle wasting from diseases such as AIDS, certain types of anemia and delayed puberty.

Nonetheless, there is a reasonable possibility that you will ignore this advice. Why? Because they work. They build muscles, improve athletic performance and give a masculine physique. In fact, when anabolic steroids were first discovered, weight-lifting contests had two categories - users and non-users. Thus the question you have to ask yourself is: Are the benefits worth the risks?