Anabolic steroids were developed in the 1930s to treat hypogonadism. A condition where which the testes do not produce enough testosterone for regular growth, development, and sexual functioning. The main medical use of these drugs are to treat delayed puberty, impotence, and body wasting caused by HIV or other diseases.

During the 1930s, scientists discovered that anabolic steroids could cause the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals. This ultimately led to use of steroids by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in various other sports. Steroid use has become a widespread event in athletics. Read more about the history of steroids