In the world of sports, sports and steroids are interrelated to a considerable extent. The fact that steroids have been used in professional sports since the late 18th Century clearly suggests that relationship between the two is not a new phenomenon.

But despite such a long relationship, many sportsmen are still unaware of the real benefits of steroids when it comes to gaining muscle mass and delivering consistent performances on the field. The use of anabolic steroids in sports or bodybuilding is being done, openly or behind closed doors.

From Entertainment.howstuffworks.com:

Anabolic Steroids

A steroid is a chemical substance derived from cholesterol. The body has several major steroid hormones — cortisol and testosterone in the male, estrogen and progesterone in the female. Catabolic steroids break down tissue, and anabolic steroids build up tissue. Anabolic steroids build muscle and bone mass primarily by stimulating the muscle and bone cells to make new protein.

Athletes use anabolic steroids because they increase muscle strength by encouraging new muscle growth. Anabolic steroids are similar in structure to the male sex hormone, testosterone, so they enhance male reproductive and secondary sex characteristics (testicle development, hair growth, thickening of the vocal cords). They allow the athlete to train harder and longer at any given period.

Anabolic steroids are mostly testosterone (male sex hormone) and its derivatives.

Examples of anabolic steroids include:

* Testosterone
* Dihydrotestosterone
* Androstenedione (Andro)
* Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
* Clostebol
* Nandrolone

From the above statements, it can be clearly seen that anabolic steroids are not harmful but excellent options for any one looking to create a niche in the world of professional sports.

But due care is still required when making use of steroids as a single incident of steroid abuse can lead to side effects.