What are Anabolic Steroids

Types of Anabolic Steroids: Pills, Injectables, and More
In my research, I've encountered various forms of anabolic steroids, each with its own unique properties and methods of administration. The most common types include:

Oral steroids: These come in pill form and are taken by mouth. Examples include:

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Injectable steroids: These are administered via intramuscular injection. Popular injectables include:

Testosterone (various esters)
Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
Trenbolone
Transdermal patches: These deliver the steroid through the skin.

Creams and gels: Applied directly to the skin for localized effects.

Sublingual tablets: Placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Oral steroids, for instance, are convenient but can be harsh on the liver. Injectables, while requiring more effort to administer, often have fewer side effects on the liver but carry risks associated with improper injection techniques.

The Legal Status of Anabolic Steroids in the USA
The legal landscape surrounding anabolic steroids in the United States is complex and has evolved over time. As of now, anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification places them in the same category as drugs like ketamine and some prescription opioids.

Here's a breakdown of the legal status:

Prescription use: Anabolic steroids can be legally prescribed by doctors for medical conditions such as hormone deficiencies, delayed puberty, and muscle-wasting diseases.
Non-medical use: It is illegal to use anabolic steroids without a valid prescription. This includes using them for athletic performance enhancement or bodybuilding purposes.
Possession: Possessing anabolic steroids without a prescription is a federal crime.
Distribution: Selling or distributing anabolic steroids is a felony offense.
The penalties for illegal use, possession, or distribution can include fines and imprisonment. It's worth noting that the legal status of anabolic steroids can vary in other countries, with some having more lenient laws and others imposing stricter regulations.

Anabolic vs. Androgenic Steroids: What's the Difference?
When discussing anabolic steroids, it's crucial to understand the distinction between anabolic and androgenic effects. While all anabolic steroids possess both anabolic and androgenic properties, the ratio between these effects can vary significantly among different compounds.

Anabolic effects: These refer to the muscle-building and performance-enhancing properties of the steroids. They include increased protein synthesis, enhanced nitrogen retention, and improved red blood cell production.

Androgenic effects: These relate to the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. They include deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, and changes in libido.

Ideally, scientists aim to develop steroids with high anabolic and low androgenic properties to maximize muscle growth while minimizing unwanted side effects. However, completely separating these effects has proven challenging.

Here's a comparison of some common steroids and their anabolic-to-androgenic ratios:

Steroid Anabolic Rating Androgenic Rating
Testosterone 100 100
Dianabol 210 60
Anavar 322-630 24
Trenbolone 500 500
Remember, these ratios are relative to testosterone, which is assigned a baseline value of 100 for both anabolic and androgenic effects.