What are anabolic steroids primarily used for?

Anabolic steroids are primarily used for promoting tissue growth, which makes them beneficial in medical treatments, particularly for patients suffering from conditions that result in muscle wasting or severe weight loss. These substances mimic the effects of testosterone, leading to increased muscle mass and strength, which is why they are often administered in clinical settings to help patients recover from surgeries, injuries, or chronic illnesses that inhibit normal muscle development.

The other options may involve other types of steroids or medications. For example, suppressing immune responses is more characteristic of corticosteroids, which have anti-inflammatory effects rather than promoting muscle growth. The increase in red blood cell production is associated with erythropoietin, often used in specific health conditions or by athletes for endurance, while enhancing oxygen uptake largely pertains to other performance-enhancing methods rather than the directly anabolic effects of anabolic steroids.