Category · Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids: an evidence reference.
Unlike most of the gray market, the core effect here isn't in doubt — these build muscle and strength. What gets glossed over is the cost. This is a reference, not a how-to.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, and many were or still are approved drugs — so the evidence that they work is real. The trade-off is well documented: Schedule III controlled status in the US, plus cardiovascular, hepatic (for oral 17α-alkylated compounds), and endocrine harm including testosterone suppression. Each compound below is graded on the strength of its human evidence and leads with that safety picture.
No doses, cycles, stacks, or PCT protocols here — that's a conversation for a clinician, not a website. Related hormonal PEDs people use alongside: HGH, HCG, and Clenbuterol.
- Strong human Methandrostenolone Historically prescribed (osteoporosis, growth deficiency); now used non-medically for muscle/strength/weight gain.
- Strong human Nandrolone Medical: anemia of renal insufficiency, and studied for HIV/dialysis-associated wasting. Non-medical: lean-mass and 'joint comfort' adjunct in bodybuilding.
- Strong human Oxandrolone Catabolic-illness recovery: severe burns, HIV/AIDS-associated wasting, and short stature in Turner syndrome (as an adjunct to growth hormone).
- Strong human Oxymetholone Medical: anemias of deficient red-cell production (FDA label) and investigationally HIV-associated wasting and hemodialysis muscle/insulin outcomes. Non-medical: bodybuilding mass and strength (illicit doping).
- Strong human Testosterone Medical: replacement therapy in confirmed male hypogonadism (and delayed puberty in boys). Non-medical: off-label use to increase lean mass, strength, and recovery.
- Preliminary human Drostanolone Historically: palliative hormonal treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In fitness use: 'hardening,' 'dryness,' and strength — none of which have controlled human evidence.
- Preliminary human Fluoxymesterone Medical (largely historical): male hypogonadism and delayed puberty, and palliation of androgen-responsive metastatic breast cancer in women. Non-medical (illicit): strength, aggression/'drive,' and a hard/dry look in bodybuilding.
- Preliminary human Methenolone Medically: aplastic/refractory anemia and (historically) advanced breast cancer. Off-label/illicit: physique and 'lean mass' use among athletes.
- Preliminary human Stanozolol Medically: hereditary angioedema prophylaxis and some anemias historically. In sport/bodybuilding: lean-mass retention, strength, and a 'dry/hard' look.
- Animal only Boldenone FDA-approved only as a veterinary drug for debilitated horses; used non-medically (off-label/illicit) in humans for lean mass, strength, appetite, and red-cell stimulation.
- Animal only Methasterone No approved medical use; used illicitly for lean-mass gain, strength, and 'recomposition.'
- Animal only Trenbolone No validated human use; historically marketed in France for muscle-wasting/cachexia, and approved in the US only as a growth-promoting cattle implant. Used non-medically for muscle and strength.
- Animal only Turinabol Used historically as an East German prescription anabolic agent; later infamous as a performance/doping agent, most notably in the GDR state doping program.
- No credible evidence Mesterolone Medically (outside the US): male hypogonadism/androgen deficiency and, more controversially, idiopathic male infertility. Off-label/illicit: claimed 'anti-estrogen,' 'free-testosterone,' libido, and 'hardening' effects in physique use.
Reading the evidence honestly
"Builds muscle" and "is safe" are different questions, and so is "is it legal." See how we grade, side effects & safety, and the US legal picture. Browse everything in the full ledger.