Types of Steroids

There are three types of steroids on the market: anabolic, cortico and androgenic. People use each for different purposes. These steroids come from different sources and provide a variety of different uses. This article intends to demonstrate from where different steroids come, how they affect the body and how people take them.

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are what many people think of when they hear the word "steroids." Bodybuilders, athletes and people looking to get in incredible shape are the most common users, and these steroids illegal without a prescription. Unfortunately, this has made anabolic steroids a hot commodity on the black market. Users generally take anabolic steroids orally, through injections into the muscle or through creams or topical gels. These steroids are man-made and help build muscle fast.

Androgenic steroids

Androgenic steroids are useful for bringing about the secondary male sex characteristics. These include a deepening voice, facial hair, body hair, lower levels of fat retention and also muscle growth. While Anabolics are far more prevalent amongst bodybuilders and athletes, Androgens give them a very masculine look.

Corticosteroids are a bit different

Corticosteroids are not common in bodybuilding and gym circles but rather in medicine and health treatments. Treatments using corticosteroids include brain tumors, skin ailments and treatments for the mucous membranes, lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. These steroids derive from processing cholesterol in the adrenal cortex.

Different types of steroids exist for different purposes. Some have amazing medicinal properties, while others are used almost exclusively in illicit ways. Steroid usage can cause low sperm counts, baldness, mood swings and, oddly enough, female secondary sex characteristics. These drugs are best to take only when consulted by a doctor. Even then, it is important to remain cautious and follow prescriptions closely.