Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone, the male sex hormone. They are used to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance, as well as to reduce body fat. They can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as delayed puberty, low testosterone levels, and muscle wasting diseases. However, anabolic steroids can have serious side effects, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.