What are Steroids? What do steroids do ? Steroids, a class of synthetic compounds, are designed to mimic the body's natural hormones, primarily to reduce inflammation. They were first developed in 1935 by German chemist Adolf Butenandt, who worked in Germany. Butenandt's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for synthetic steroids, which were initially created to treat medical conditions like arthritis, asthma, and hormonal imbalances. Today, over 30 million people worldwide use steroids, with purposes ranging from medical treatments to performance enhancement. Steroids gained prominence in sports during the mid-20th century. They were notably used by athletes from the Soviet Union in the Olympics, leading to their widespread adoption in international sports. However, their misuse in competitive sports soon became controversial, resulting in strict bans by organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) . Why Are Steroids Popular Among Youths? And  what ...