Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, a sex hormone naturally produced by men and women alike.
Taking steroids raises levels of this hormone, which causes effects such as increased muscle mass and strength ( 3, 4). Normal testosterone levels range from 300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. It serves several functions for women, primarily promoting bone density and a healthy libido ( 2). Though traditionally thought of as a male hormone, women also produce testosterone but in much smaller amounts. In men, its levels increase during puberty to promote the development of male sex traits, such as body hair growth, a deeper voice, sex drive, and increased height and muscle mass. They affect various parts of your body, such as your muscles, hair follicles, bones, liver, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a synthetic form of testosterone, which is the primary male sex hormone ( 1).
