Anabolic steroids are substances which are used to supplement hormones deficiencies in individuals. This effect is the reason why anabolic steroid use is very popular among athletes, weight lifters and bodybuilders, despite the fact that these substances are not prescribed for these purposes. So are anabolic steroids legal?
The quick and correct answer is yes. While the legal status of steroids varies from country to country, in the US, steroids are legal as long as these are used according to specific circumstances. Steroids are currently classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the law, which punishes even the mere possession of the substance by a person who does not have a prescription.
Anabolic steroids are legally obtainable as long as you have a prescription and you are using the substance for the appropriate medical condition. Outside of these circumstances, the use of anabolic steroids may be considered illegal and may subject the user to harsh penalties.
Anabolic Steroids and Performance Enhancement
Enhancement of athletic performance is considered a desire and not a medical condition under the law, which means a person will not be allowed to use steroids for performance enhancement. The use of the substance for this purpose is considered illegal, despite the fact that it remains widespread. Athletes, bodybuilders, weight lifters and even police officers are known to use the substance for this purpose, which could subject them to criminal prosecution.
The most common forms of legal steroids are different variants of testosterone, such as testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate and testosterone propionate. These stand on equal footing with other controlled substances that are also legally obtainable such as HGH and HCH.
When is the use of anabolic steroids legal?
The use of steroids is considered legal among individuals who are suffering from testosterone hormone deficiencies, delayed puberty or those suffering from muscle wasting as a consequence of underlying disease like AIDS. Steroids may also be prescribed for persons undergoing andropause and even for women going through menopause. Individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy as part of a sex change procedure can also be given prescriptions in order to support the physical changes that need to occur during the process. Burn victims and those suffering from paralysis and undergoing rehabilitation may be given steroids to prevent muscle wasting.
For those who want to experience enhanced muscle growth without resorting to synthetic hormones, there are legal alternatives in the form of muscle building dietary supplements. Marketed as legal steroids, these substances contain natural ingredients instead of synthetic hormones and therefore do not need any prescription. Supplements contain ingredients that spur the body into producing more hormones like testosterone, unlike steroids which are synthetic versions of the hormone itself. Aside from being completely legal, these supplements also do not come with the unpleasant side effects that accompany steroids.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that anabolic steroids are legal under certain, very specific circumstances. You need a prescription in order to legally use these hormones and that prescription can only be based on a legitimate medical condition for which steroids is considered a safe and effective treatment. That said, there is nothing that will prevent a user from enjoying the other benefits of this substance, such as increased muscle gain, enhanced strength and slower fat formation if you are using the substance legally.
