Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Doping: Facts, Effects and Health Risks

Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are a group of hormones consisting of the male sex hormone testosterone and its synthetic derivatives. AAS were initially developed in the 1930s as a drug to promote the growth of skeletal muscle and to develop male sexual characteristics, and have been used as a medication to treat conditions such as reproductive system dysfunction, breast cancer, and anaemia. In the 1950s, competitive athletes started using AAS as an ergogenic aid with the intention of promoting the growth of skeletal muscle mass.