Anabolic-androgenic steroid
Anabolic-androgenic steroid
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), pronounced as /ænəˈbɒlɪk ænˈdrɒdʒɪnɪk ˈstɛrɔɪd/, are a class of hormones that include the natural male sex hormone testosterone and a set of synthetic versions.
Etymology
The term "anabolic-androgenic steroid" is a combination of "anabolic", which refers to the process of tissue building or maintenance, and "androgenic", which refers to the development of male characteristics. The term "steroid" refers to the type of organic compound these substances belong to.
Usage
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are used in medicine to treat conditions that occur when the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence. They are also used to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass.
Abuse and Side Effects
Abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, liver disease, and mental health disorders. Side effects can include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings.
Related Terms
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