What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic (human-made) medicines that are similar to the male hormone testosterone. The scientific name for these medicines is anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).

Anabolic steroids are different from corticosteroids, which are medicines used to treat conditions such as arthritis or asthma. Both are sometimes simply called 'steroids', which can be confusing.

While anabolic steroids can be prescribed for medical purposes, some people use them illegally.

Illegal uses include when you take them to improve your performance in sport, or to change your appearance or body image. Anabolic steroids are classed as performance and image-enhancing drugs. Users sometimes call them 'roids', 'gear' or 'juice'.

How do anabolic steroids work?

Anabolic steroids mimic (copy) the effects of the male hormone testosterone on your body.

What are anabolic steroids used for?

A doctor can prescribe anabolic steroids to treat hormone problems, such as:

• delayed puberty in males
• low levels of testosterone, for example in males with testicular disease or pituitary failure

Anabolic steroids can also be prescribed to replace muscle lost because of conditions such as cancer or AIDS, or to treat some types of breast cancer and anaemia.

Some competitive athletes, body builders and people who need strong muscles for their work misuse anabolic steroids to:

• build lean muscle
• increase strength and ability
• decrease recovery time following an injury

People who are worried about their body image may choose to take anabolic steroids to reduce body fat.

What forms of anabolic steroids are available?

Anabolic steroids come as:

• a gel, liquid or patch for topical use on your skin
• an injection
• tablets that you swallow

What are the side effects of anabolic steroids?

Side effects of anabolic steroids are more likely during misuse for performance enhancement, compared to medical use. Your chance of side effects also varies according to your age, weight and general health.

The short-term side effects of anabolic steroid use include:

• water retention and bloating
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• feeling irritated, mood swings or aggression
• changes in sex drive
• male pattern baldness (in both males and females)
• acne

Females may also experience:

• male pattern hair growth, including facial hair
• decreased breast size
• irregular periods
• deeper voice
• enlarged clitoris
• effects on an unborn daughter, if anabolic steroids are used during or before pregnancy

Males may also experience:

• shrunken testicles and decreased sperm production
• reduced sperm count and infertility
• growth of breast tissue (gynaecomastia)
• an involuntary erection that won't go away (priapism)
• prostate problems

The long-term side effects of anabolic steroids include:

• liver damage
• high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• heart attack and stroke
• kidney or prostate cancer
• depression
• stunted growth
• premature bone and skin ageing

People who misuse anabolic steroids for performance or weight loss purposes may also cause accidental nerve damage while injecting their muscles.

Using anabolic steroids can lead to addiction, because of relying on the drug effects for confidence and self-esteem.

How do I take anabolic steroids?

People may take anabolic steroids in different ways. The safest way to take anabolic steroids is under the guidance of your doctor for a medical reason.

Anabolic steroids can be unsafe if you misuse them.

Is it legal to use anabolic steroids in Australia?

It's only legal to take anabolic steroids in Australia if they have been prescribed by a doctor for a medical purpose. It is against the law to keep, make, use, sell or give away, or inject someone else with anabolic steroids.

The penalties for supplying anabolic steroids vary in each state and territory. In some states, they are classified in the same drug category as heroin or ice (crystal meth). If you are found to be supplying or possessing anabolic steroids you can be arrested, fined or imprisoned.

Anabolic steroids are banned in competitive sport. Using them can result in fines, suspensions or permanent bans.

How can I use anabolic steroids more safely?

If you choose to use anabolic steroids for non-medical purposes, here are some tips that can help reduce your chance of harm:

• Think carefully about where you buy anabolic steroids — online stores and local dealers are unlikely to follow the quality and safety rules that apply to legal supply.
• Use as low a dose as possible, or limit use to a few weeks at a time, to give your body a chance to recover from the effects.
• Avoid injecting anabolic steroids directly into the same area of your body each time.
• Do not inject them into your biceps, calf or pectoral muscles ('pecs') — this helps reduce your chance of nerve damage.
• Always use clean needles to reduce the risk of getting blood-borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C — never share needles with other people.
• Do not combine anabolic steroids with caffeine or alcohol (which remove water from the body), or with other drugs such as amphetamines.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you are using or thinking about using anabolic steroids. They will be able to advise you of the benefits and downsides. Your doctor can also discuss how you can meet your performance and image goals in a safer way.

If you are having side effects from any medicine, ask your doctor what to do.

Resources and support

If you or someone you know has a problem with misuse of anabolic steroids, there are a range of services that can help:

• The Alcohol and Drug Foundationcan help you find support services in your local area.
• The Drug Help website has information on how to get help with anabolic steroid use.
• Drug Aware provides information to help you make informed decisions on using drugs.
• Positive Choices offer drug services and resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• Watch the video "Where can I get help when alcohol or drugs are a problem?" — you can watch it at Your Room in many different community languages.

For telephone counselling and advice call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

If you are injecting anabolic steroids, needle and syringe programs are available in each state and territory to help reduce the risks of reusing needles.

If you are struggling with your body image, some helpful resources and support for supporting positive body image and healthy lifestyle behaviours are:

• The Butterfly Foundation
• ReachOut Australia
• headspace

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.