Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Anabolic steroids are a group of synthetic drugs. They copy the masculinising effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone.
  • Anabolic steroids are often referred to as a ‘performance and image enhancing drug’. Their use includes increasing sporting performance and outcomes.
  • There are some legitimate medical uses for anabolic steroids.
  • People who misuse anabolic steroids may include athletes, bodybuilders and people who feel they need to look muscular to feel good about themselves.
  • The misuse of anabolic steroids can cause long-term side effects. These can include cardiovascular complications, liver disease, reproductive organ damage and severe mood swings.
  • Support is available for anabolic steroid users who want to change their dependence on these drugs.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-08-2022