National Institute on Drug Abuse. (March, 2005). NIDA InfoFacts: Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic). The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction. [https://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/Steroids.html]

"Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building, and “androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics. “Steroids” refers to the class of drugs. These drugs are available legally only by prescription, 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 prescribed to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass. Abuse of anabolic steroids, however, can lead to serious health problems, some irreversible".

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