Current use and abuse of anabolic steroids.

Common abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is no longer confined to high performance athletes, as it has spread among the general population. Epidemiological data about the abuse of these substances show that it is a common practice in young populations. Its use is based on the desire to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improving physical performance. The ease of acquisition of this type of substances has developed a "sophisticated" knowledge of steroid pharmacology based on subjective and anecdotal analysis with no adverse event information, which translates into a public health crisis. Unfortunately, athletes seem to be more influenced by these experiences than by their physician's advice. The abuse of AAS by the athlete and non-athlete population and its adverse events ought to be evaluated in order to improve routine clinical practice on this regard.