Steroids were first created to help treat males whose testicles were not producing enough testosterone, the male hormone. When used under a doctor’s supervision, they can also help to reduce certain problems, like asthma or allergies.

Eventually, people figured that if steroids could help a man with low levels of testosterone, they could create a “super athlete.”

Now we know that taking steroids can create serious health problems and can even lead to early death. We also know they can be addictive, and we know that they are used by males and females.

If taken in excess and without medical supervision, steroids can cause the testicles to atrophy, or shrivel up, and to stop producing testosterone in males. This can lead to something called “gynecomastia,” which is when guys begin growing larger breast tissue.