What are anabolic steroids primarily used for?

Anabolic steroids are primarily used to boost power and performance in athletes. These synthetic derivatives of testosterone promote muscle growth and increase strength, which can lead to enhanced athletic performance. Athletes may use them to gain a competitive edge through improved physical capabilities such as speed, endurance, and overall power output.

While anabolic steroids can have potential effects on recovery from injury and may influence body composition, their primary function and the reason they are often sought after in sports settings is to directly increase performance levels. This involves not just muscle mass but also improvements in performance metrics that are critical in competitive sports.

Though enhancing aerobic performance and reducing body fat can be associated with various training methods or other substances, these are not the primary uses attributed to anabolic steroids. Their key role is focused on improving performance dimensions directly related to strength and explosiveness. Thus, the focus on power and performance in athletes aligns closely with the intended use of anabolic steroids.