Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Testosterone, the natural male hormone produced primarily by the testes in men, is responsible for the masculinizing and tissue-building effects observed during male adolescence and adulthood.
Using anabolic steroids, in conjunction with an adequate diet and exercise, can contribute to increases in body weight and muscular strength as lean mass increases.
The goals of individuals who use anabolic steroids vary depending on their activities. Bodybuilders desire more lean mass and less body fat. Weightlifters aim to lift the maximum amount of weight possible. Field athletes want to throw the hammer or discus farther than their competitors. Swimmers and runners hope to complete their high-intensity workouts without physical breakdown. Soccer or rugby players seek to increase their lean body mass and strength to perform successfully on top teams. Additionally, some users simply want to look good, which often means being big and muscular. Others, such as fashion models, film actors/actresses, rock and roll band members, and dancers, aim to be lean and muscular ("ripped," "cut," "defined," "buffed"). There also appears to be a segment of the population, including bouncers, police officers, and soldiers, who use steroids to, in their view, improve their job performance.
The information on this website is not a scientific reference to the biochemistry of steroids but rather a guide to provide readers with a basic understanding of recreational steroid usage.