What are steroids?

Technically, the term steroid biochemically denotes a molecule having three, 6 carbon-containing rings, and one, 5-carbon-containing ring. Many of the body's hormones have a steroid nucleus. Steroids are actually lipids derived from cholesterol and secreted by the gonads, adrenal cortex, and placenta. This page refers to the most common perception of steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth.

How do steroids work?

Steroid use increases testosterone levels in the body by bypassing the normal pathway for testosterone synthesis (see the diagram on the right) and directly adding testosterone to the bloodstream. The specific anabolic and androgenic benefits and side effects felt depend on the type of steroid used (see the lists of possible side effects and benefits below). An increase in the hormone testosterone in the body does not cause chemical reactions, but simply magnifies the reactions that already exist. Anabolic steroids are chemically altered versions of testosterone that have been engineered to maximize anabolic effects with as minimal androgenic effects as possible. However, there is no perfect anabolic steroid. Even the "cleanest" steroids have associated side effects. The possible benefits and side effects of steroid use follow.

	What are the possible benefits?
	Bodybuilders take steroids for four simple reasons. To increase muscle size and strength. To speed recovery time. To increase energy levels during workouts. To increase the oxidation rise of fat.

	What is Testosterone?
	Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone produced in the testicles. It is responsible for both androgenic and anabolic effects. The anabolic effects of testosterone have primarily become the target of bodybuilders and athletes.