Anabolic steroids are designed to mimic which hormone?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, which is the primary male sex hormone. They are specifically designed to enhance the anabolic effects of testosterone, promoting increased muscle mass, strength, and overall physical performance. The primary function of anabolic steroids is to increase protein synthesis within cells, leading to increased cell size and number, which is particularly beneficial for athletes looking to enhance their physical capabilities.

In the context of the other hormones listed, estrogen is mainly involved in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, cortisol is a glucocorticoid involved in stress responses and metabolism, and insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. While these hormones have important physiological functions, they do not possess the anabolic properties that anabolic steroids seek to replicate.