A Little AAS History
Historically, the difference in the beliefs held by the athletic and the medical communities on AAS are contradictory and irreconcilable. The development of AAS compounds originally were for treatment of hypogonadal dysfunction and commencement of delayed puberty in men and for growth promotion. AAS have, however, not always been used for pure medical purposes. Due to their anabolic effects, AAS became vastly popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and power lifters. Controversy raged for decades over the effectiveness of AAS in promoting muscle mass and muscle strength.
Despite the admitted illicit use of AAS by athletes, the record breaking in Olympic events, the obvious appearance in musculature enhancement, and more the medical and research community disputed and denied the AAS effects. Moreover, scientific and official court documents, including secret doctoral theses and scientific reports, demonstrate the positive effects of these and other hormonal drugs on muscle strength and performance in elite sports were common knowledge and had been in practice since the early 1960s. After a period of scientific controversy, it is now clear that anabolic-androgenic steroid hormones are effective in increasing both muscle mass and muscle strength as well as enhancing performance in sports.