What is the Difference Between Anabolic and Androgenic?

The difference between anabolic and androgenic can be understood by their effects on the human body:

• Anabolic: This refers to the skeletal muscle-building properties of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Anabolic effects involve the growth of muscle mass, bone density, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell mass, nitrogen retention, and protein synthesis. These effects are mainly related to tissue building, particularly muscle, and are the reason why anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders.
• Androgenic: This refers to the induction and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics. Androgenic effects include the growth of the penis, seminal vesicles, prostate glands, pubic hair, and facial hair. These effects are related to the development of male characteristics and are stimulated by the hormone testosterone, which is the primary endogenous hormone belonging to the AAS class.

All anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone and have unique molecular structures that are similar to testosterone. They are designed to enhance the anabolic functions of testosterone while reducing its androgenic effects. However, none of these steroids can completely eliminate the androgenic effect, which is why they are often referred to as anabolic-androgenic steroids.

Comparative Table: Anabolic vs Androgenic

Anabolic and androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that have both anabolic and androgenic properties. Here is a table comparing the differences between anabolic and androgenic effects:

Anabolic effects refer to the promotion of skeletal muscle-building and growth in many types of tissues, especially bone and muscle. Androgenic effects, on the other hand, refer to the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, and induction of male secondary sexual characteristics.