The anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone originally used for therapeutic purposes. Nowadays, these drugs are being used improperly and indiscriminately to improve sports performance and esthetics. However, many users and some health professionals doesn't know or don't believe in the adverse effects of these drugs. This study aimed to verify the possible side effects of the non-therapeutic use and indiscriminate of AAS through scientific research preferably direct. It was reviewed literature sources through the following search instruments: PUBMED, SCIELO and BVS. The results showed that several side effects are caused by abusive and non-therapeutic use of AAS. Was concluded that some adverse effects appearance to be unknown or not evident in the scientific literature, due mainly to lack of randomized controlled studies that use supraphysiological doses of AAS in humans.
Steroids; Adverse effects; Testosterone
