Steroids are available in tablet, injectable and cream forms. Both steroids intended for humans and steroids intended for veterinary use are used illicitly. Steroids are used to increase muscle bulk and strength and to enable longer and harder athletic training sessions. Steroids also help healing of wounds and reduce the loss of nitrogen in urine. Steroids reduce recovery time needed between training sessions and thus enable athletes to train more intensively for longer periods.
Steroids can permanently stunt the growth of adolescents.
Psychological side effects can include enhanced self-esteem and euphoria, but also increased aggression and irritability, mood swings, changes in libido, paranoia and depression. Women can experience clitoral enlargement, shrinking breasts, permanent deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities and growth of body and facial hair. Side effects seem to increase with prolonged use. Psychological dependence on steroids is possible. Withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, severe depression, insomnia, lethargy, nausea, headaches and cravings.