What should i take with anabolic steroids

Some types of steroid are commonly used for medical treatment. For example, corticosteroids can help people with asthma to breathe during an attack. Testosterone is also prescribed for a number of hormone-related conditions, such as hypogonadism.

However, AASs are not commonly prescribed as a treatment. In the U. The use of these drugs is only legal when prescribed by a medical provider.

Testosterone and several of its esters, as well as methyltestosterone, nandrolone decanoate, and oxandrolone, are the main anabolic-androgenic steroids currently prescribed in the U.

Non-medical use of steroids is not permitted in the U. Under the Controlled Substance Act, unlawful possession and distribution are subject to federal and state laws.

As it is not legal for athletic purposes, there is no legal control over the quality or use of drugs sold for this purpose. Illegal steroids are obtained through the internet and through informal dealers, like other illegal drugs.

However, they may also be available through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors, and veterinarians. Their composition and use are entirely unregulated, adding to the hazards they pose. The adverse effects of AAS use depend on the product, the age and sex of the user, how much they use, and for how long. Users will attend follow-up appointments and take periodic blood tests to monitor for unwanted effects. Non-medical use of steroids can involve quantities from 10 to times the amount used for medical purposes.

In adolescents, it can result in :. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It is needed to develop and maintain male sex characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. Women do have some testosterone in their bodies, but in much smaller amounts. Health care providers use anabolic steroids to treat some hormone problems in men, delayed puberty , and muscle loss from some diseases.

But some people misuse anabolic steroids. Some bodybuilders and athletes use anabolic steroids to build muscles and improve athletic performance. This means you can crave the drug, require more to get the same effect, and have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them. A person who is addicted to anabolic steroids will want to keep using them despite experiencing unpleasant physical side effects. When doctors prescribe steroid medication, they always advise coming off the medication slowly by gradually reducing the dose.

Coming off anabolic steroids suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms that include:. You should see your GP if you think you're addicted to anabolic steroids. Treatment for an addiction to anabolic steroids will be similar to that of other types of addiction. Your GP may refer you to a specially trained drugs counsellor. They'll discuss your addiction with you, how to safely stop taking steroids, and any obstacles you may face when trying to stop, plus strategies for dealing with those obstacles.

Page last reviewed: 30 August Next review due: 30 August Anabolic steroid misuse. Are anabolic steroids illegal? Why people misuse anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids can be used as performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects.

How anabolic steroids are taken Anabolic steroids are usually injected into the muscle or taken by mouth as tablets, but they also come as creams or gels that are applied to the skin. Users might: Take the drugs for a period of time and then stop for a rest period before starting again. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Skip to main content. Home Drugs. Anabolic steroids. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. What are anabolic steroids? Who uses anabolic steroids? How anabolic steroids work How anabolic steroids affect the body Side effects of anabolic steroids Long-term effects of anabolic steroids Mixing anabolic steroids with other drugs Dependence on anabolic steroids Withdrawal from anabolic steroids Treatment for anabolic steroid addiction Anabolic steroid use and the law Where to get help.

Common slang terms for steroids include 'roids', 'gear' and 'juice'. Other groups who typically use them include: Professional athletes and bodybuilders who are involved in competitive sport or who have a strong desire to succeed. People who work in industries where muscle strength is important — such as security workers, police, construction workers and defence force staff. Young people and adults who are concerned about their body image and want to look muscular to feel good.

This may include people who work in the fashion and entertainment industries. Testosterone has two effects on your body: anabolic — maintains bone density, supports muscle growth and speeds up recovery from injury androgenic also known as masculinising — develops and maintains male characteristics such as the penis, testicles, muscle mass, deep voice and facial hair.

How anabolic steroids affect the body People who use anabolic steroids generally experience an increase in muscle strength very quickly. This can often lead to rapid increases in lean muscle tissue.