Natural steroids: Safer than synthetic steroids?

No, they're not safer. Synthetic steroids are legally available only by prescription. However, dozens of "natural" steroids are now sold as over-the-counter supplements at many health food stores.

Many people are unaware that so-called natural steroids, such as androstenedione (andro) and DHEA, are anabolic steroids. The only difference between natural and synthetic steroids is that synthetic steroids are made in a lab and chemically altered in some way. Because natural steroids contain "natural" substances that aren't chemically altered, they can be marketed as dietary supplements that increase strength and build muscle. As supplements, they're not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Although anabolic steroids can enhance certain types of performance or physical appearance, they are dangerous drugs. When used inappropriately, they can cause a variety of severe, long-lasting and often irreversible health problems, including:

• Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
• Severe acne
• Baldness
• Infertility
• Liver disease
• High cholesterol