anabolic steroids are artificial derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone.

(anabolic-"build up of tissues"; androgenic-"male producing"; steroids are a class of hormones)

 

 

Testosterone can be injected, administered via a transdermal patch, skin cream, or a microinized oral preparation.

 

the male sex hormone, secreted by the Leydig cells of the testes

17-beta esters of testosterone:

cypionate, propionate, and enanthate

These steroids are more fat soluble and delays absorption into bloodstream. These steroids must be injected.

17-alpha derivatives:

methyltestosterone, methandrostenolone, norethandrolone, fluoxymesterone, danazol, oxandrolone, and stanozol

These derivatives resist metabolism in the liver so they most be administered orally.