Common Uses for Androgenic Steroids
ATHLETIC
The most
common uses for androgenic steroids are in athletes wishing to increase their
muscle mass, and consequently their athletic performance. The emasculating
effect of the androgen includes development of skeletal muscle above and beyond
what is naturally expected.
COMMONLY ABUSED STEROIDS
courtesy of NIDA
MEDICAL
Though the research on other
uses in the medical field is underdeveloped, it has been suggested that these
drugs can also be used to:
Treat cases of delayed puberty.
Combat effects of androgen deficiency.
Preventing impotence.
Help to restore and maintain lean body mass in patients suffering from diseases which destroy muscle, such as HIV and, kidney failure.
Treatment of female breast cancer.
Stimulation of growth, weight gain, and red blood cell production.
Treatment of osteoporosis, as bone mass is gained in association with the conversion of fat into muscle tissue. (Need et. al, 1993, Mottram, 1988)
Restoring muscle mass in severely traumatized individuals who have lost high proportions of body mass (for example, burn victims and victims of other accidents).
Replacement therapy in men. (Mottram, 1988)
Gynacological disorders. (Mottram, 1988)
Protein anabolism (Mottram, 1988)
Anaemia (Mottram, 1988)
Due to the many negative
effects these drugs have on the human body, medical application of these drugs
must be monitored carefully by a knowledgeable physician.
Common drugs
used in medical settings include:
OTHER USES
Colton & Casper (1996)
report that androgenic steroids have been used to assist performers in controlling
vagal effect from stage fright or "jitters prior to a
performance".
What are androgenic/anabolic steroids?
Effects of androgenic steroids on the voice, general effects
Implications of androgenic steroid use in voice therapy
