Anabolic steroids are drugs derived from the male hormone testosterone.
They promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. Although anabolic steroids have many approved medical uses, they are abused by some athletes and others seeking to improve performance and physical appearance. These nonmedical uses are illegal and carry many health hazards. Anabolic steroids are taken as pills or injected. Steroid abusers may take hundreds of times more than the medically recommended dose.