anaboles

Anaboles, commonly referred to as anabolic steroids, are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed to promote anabolic effects such as increased muscle mass and strength, improved nitrogen balance, and enhanced recovery. They have legitimate medical uses but are also widely misused in sport and bodybuilding.

Most act by binding to androgen receptors in muscle and other tissues, altering gene transcription to boost protein synthesis and reduce breakdown. They can also influence bone density, fat distribution, and red blood cell production, contributing to performance changes beyond muscle alone.

Medically, certain anabolic agents are prescribed to treat testosterone deficiency, severe burns, chronic wasting diseases, anemia, and osteoporosis. Their use is tightly regulated and generally limited to specific conditions with medical supervision due to adverse risks.

In many countries they are controlled substances and prohibited in most professional sports. They are commonly used in cycles, stacks, and post-use rehabilitation by athletes and bodybuilders. Doping tests, penalties, and education programs aim to deter nonmedical use.

Adverse effects vary by dose and duration and include liver toxicity with certain oral formulations, adverse lipid profiles, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk; suppression of natural testosterone production; testicular shrinking and infertility; virilization in women and adolescents; acne, mood changes, and dependency. Long-term health consequences remain a concern.

First synthesized in the 1930s, anabolic steroids gained medical and athletic prominence in the ensuing decades before rising regulation and widespread anti-doping efforts.