Steroid use for medical and athletic needs

There are three groups of steroids: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Nature of corticosteroids is similar to that of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids may be in form of creams, ointment, inhalation preparations, etc. They are taken to treat inflammations, allergic reactions, diseases of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems.
Estrogens and progestogens represent female sex hormones. These compounds promote developing female secondary features. Birth control pills contain these substances.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids represent products which are also widely utilized in medicine. They can treat several types of breast cancer, testicular cancer, anemia, etc. These drugs are often prescribed to get better and faster recovery after several operations. Burn victims, persons with HIV/AIDS administer anabolic-androgenic steroids in order to prevent muscle wasting. Some steroids are also prescribed for treatment of osteoporosis. These medications are also prescribed for treatment of infertility.
Moreover, anabolic-androgenic steroids are applied for athletic needs. These products can create muscles and increase strength. That’s why a lot of athletes and bodybuilders administer them for performance-enhancing effects. Some anabolic-androgenic steroids are able also to burn fat, making muscles distinctive.
Intake of anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-therapeutic needs is forbidden under laws of some countries. Those who manufacture, sell, buy and use these products illegally may be sentenced to prison and/or fines. These medicines belong to illicit preparations in several countries because they may lead to different adverse reactions. While certain unwanted effects are insignificant and disappear after discontinuation of application, others are sever and even irreversible. Those that desire to obtain positive effects, using steroids for clinical purposes, should apply these preparations under recommendations of doctors.