“Steroids” has been a strong topic for the media for several years now, and the topic continues to grow in popularity. Although “steroids” is a broad topic, the media has mainly focused on the subtopic of anabolic steroid use among professional athletes. A great debate exists currently in the public and medical community in regard to the legitimate medical use of anabolic steroids in general and in professional sports. Since the media thrives on the conflict, the media’s influence is directed at further propagating the debate, rather than to help resolve it. Despite the media’s charade, the true source of the debate, in my opinion, is a failure to communicate.

A void exists in the data presented in this debate that may hinder good communication and the potential for societal resolution. There seem to be major differences among the demographics of the players on both sides of the debate and hence the type of data used by both sides to analyze the situation. Simply put, no one is comparing “apples to apples,” and the lack of each side’s willingness to appreciate the other’s paradigm creates a stalemate. In general, the people who are actively against steroid use are more conservative and well-educated members of the medical community. However, their education about steroids is more derived from books, reports and medical hearsay rather than personal experience or firsthand observation of steroids’ effects on people. There seems to be a large component of fear involved in their perception. The medical literature they reference is usually not as ironclad as one may expect from well-educated professionals in regard to the dangers of steroids. A typical person who is a proponent of steroid use for legitimate medical purposes usually has personal experience using steroids firsthand or through someone they know. Supporters of steroid use have demystified steroids and usually respect their power but do not fear them. The people who are advocates of steroid use are not commonly members of the medical community and seem to lack organization and medical research to support their viewpoint in comparison with the antisteroid advocates.

I present this manuscript to provide a point of view that encompasses both medical expertise and a large amount of firsthand observation. I have no agenda or financial interest to declare for the topics presented in this text. I present the concepts I have found through my clinical experience and research as plainly as possible, while minimizing speculation. I hope to provide data that may serve to find truth, balance or compromise to this current debate. Lastly, I look forward to uncovering further possibilities that are concealed in steroids.

In my opinion, every woman and man should be aware of this available medicine, or medical tool, per se, in case a time arises or a current situation exists in which using steroids may improve their health condition. The knowledge contained in this text may be motivating enough for one to seek out a practitioner who specializes in steroids.  For people who currently use steroids, this text may offer information to help guide them to achieve the best results possible.