Androgenic-anabolic steroids have two different, but overlapping effects. First of all, they are anabolic, that is, facilitate anabolism (the growth of cells). Examples of the anabolic effects of these hormones include increased protein synthesis from amino acids, increased appetite, increased bone turnover and growth, and stimulation of bone marrow, which increases red blood cell production.
Secondly, they are androgenic or virilizing steroids, that is, they influence in particular the development and maintenance of male characteristics.
The biochemical functions of androgens such as testosterone are numerous. Through a combination of these effects, anabolic steroids stimulate muscle formation and therefore cause an increase in muscle fiber size, leading to increased muscle mass and strength.
This increase in muscle mass is most often due to growth in skeletal muscle due to both increased muscle protein production as well as a decreased turnover rate of these proteins.
A high dose of testosterone also decreases the amount of fat in the muscles, while increasing their protein content. Anabolic steroids also reduce fat.
Anabolic steroids have been used by men and women in many different types of professional sports (cricket, athletics, weightlifting, bodybuilding, weight lifting, cycling, baseball, wrestling, martial arts, boxing, football…) to gain a competitive edge or aid recovery from injuries.
