Steroids are close relatives of testosterone, the naturally occurring male hormone.
These drugs are used to treat a number of medical conditions including certain types of anemia, some rare allergic conditions, and also have been used extensively in men who lack adequate hormone levels. The illicit use of steroids for non-medical reasons has reached near epidemic proportions. Use by college and professional athletes is probably even more pervasive. Mainly because the athletic community has known for a number of years that steroids often do increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. Use of steroids by women can also yield dramatic improvement in athletic performance.