certain athletes. Once again, however, this benefit is realized only when the subject is regularly training the affected muscle groups (168).
In effect, anabolic steroids may be seen primarily as "hormonal helpers." The drugs, although they have different micro-metabolic functions, share their basic forms--something like cholesterol. They all center on cellular function, but seem to need significant regular ingestion and the continued training of muscles to be effective (Mirkin 6). Currently, steroids are used medically for testosterone deficiencies, hereditary diseases that result in anemia, and for transsexual females wishing to develop male sex characteristics (Strauss 59).
During World War II, steroids were used experimentally on German soldiers in order to increase their aggressiveness and insensitivity to fatigue and pain (Wade 1399). Soviet athletes were reportedly the first to use the drugs in sports competition, and in the early 1950s they dominated many international sporting events (Miller 17). Soon, athletes from all over the world beg
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