Legal and illegal usage of steroids

Steroids may be classified into 3 groups: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Essence of corticosteroids is similar to that of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids may be in form of creams, ointment, inhalation medications, etc. They are recommended to cure inflammations, allergic reactions, disorders of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems.
Estrogens and progestogens represent female sex hormones. These substances promote developing female secondary features. Birth control remedies contain these substances.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids represent medicines which are also widely used in medicine. They have capacity to treat some types of breast cancer, testicular cancer, anemia, etc. These products are often recommended to receive better and faster recovery after some surgeries. Burn victims, persons with HIV/AIDS apply anabolic-androgenic steroids in order to avoid muscle loss. Some steroids are also administered to cure osteoporosis. These remedies are also administered in case of infertility.
Furthermore, anabolic-androgenic steroids are administered for athletic purposes. These medicines are able to stimulate muscle growth and enhance endurance. That’s why numerous athletes and bodybuilders administer them for performance-enhancing effects. Certain anabolic-androgenic steroids are capable also to induce loosing fat, making muscles defined.
Intake of anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-medical purposes is illegal under laws of certain countries. Those who manufacture, sell, buy and administer these medications illegally may be sentenced to jail and/or fines. These products belong to illegal preparations in some countries because they may cause different adverse consequences. While several negative consequences are slight and disappear after discontinuation of application, others are grave and even irreversible. Those that want to receive benefits, using steroids for clinical purposes, should administer these drugs under indications of physicians.