Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids (pronunciation: /ænəˈbɒlɪk ˈstɛrɔɪdz/), also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that are primarily used to promote muscle and bone growth.
Etymology
The term "anabolic" is derived from the Greek word "anabole" which means "to build up", and "steroid" refers to the class of organic compounds to which these substances belong. The term "androgenic" refers to the development of male sex characteristics, derived from the Greek words "andro" (male) and "genes" (born).
Usage
Anabolic 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.
Side Effects
Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible. These include liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, changes in mood and behavior, and changes in physical appearance.
Related Terms
- Testosterone: A hormone that is mainly produced in the testes of males and the ovaries of females. It is the most important of the anabolic steroids.
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- Liver: A large organ in the body that filters harmful substances from the blood.
- Cardiovascular: Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
- AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anabolic Steroids
- Wikipedia's article - Anabolic Steroids
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