Hormonal Disorders

Steroids in Sports

Drugs commonly referred to as steroids can be classified as anabolic (anabolic-androgenic) steroids or corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, such as cortisone or prednisone are drugs that doctors often prescribe to help control inflammation in the body. Corticosteroids are not the same as the anabolic steroids that are often linked with illegal use in sports. Non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most major sports organizations. In January 2005, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act was amended with the Controlled Substance Act that added anabolic steroids and prohormones (a precursor to a hormone) to the list of controlled substances and makes possession of the substances a federal crime.