Synthetic analogs of male sex hormones are called anabolic steroids. The main effect of anabolic steroids is aimed at the redistribution of fat and muscle mass. Under the influence of synthetic hormones, muscle volume, strength and endurance increase. Due to their effects, anabolic steroids have found use in medicine and sports.
Content
- 1 Side effects of steroids 1.1 General measures to prevent harm
- 1.2 Contraindications to taking steroids
- 2.1 Suppression of the production of own testosterone
How do people abuse anabolic steroids?
People who abuse anabolic steroids usually take them orally, inject them into muscles, or apply them to the skin as a gel or cream. These doses can be 10-100 times higher than doses prescribed for the treatment of diseases.
Wolf Run - taking multiple doses over a period of time, stopping for a while, then in a circle
Stack – combining two or more different steroids and mixing oral and/or injectable types
Pyramid - slowly increasing, reaching a maximum value, and then gradually tapering to zero
Plateau - alternation of different steroids to avoid the development of tolerance
There is not a single scientific study confirming that at least one of these practices reduces the harmful effects of taking these drugs.
Side effects of steroids[edit | edit code]
Objective assessment of side effects of AS. Media disinformation
It's no secret that anabolic steroids are one of the most effective means for gaining lean muscle mass and increasing strength. However, many do not know even half of the side effects and, most importantly, how to deal with them. In this article we will try not only to describe the main side effects of steroids, but also to give practical advice on reducing the harm from steroids.
It is worth noting that most negative effects can be prevented if you follow simple recommendations related, first of all, to the choice of drugs, course duration, doses and PCT (post-cycle therapy). All data is taken from authoritative foreign sources, which are listed in the notes.
General measures to prevent harm[edit | edit code]
- Do not use large doses of drugs
- Do not do highly androgenic courses longer than 12-16 weeks
- Choose steroids that suppress the secretion of endogenous testosterone to a lesser extent (you need to understand that long-term use of any anabolic steroid inevitably leads to its complete stop)
- Give preference to products that are not toxic to the liver
- Monitor blood counts, hormonal status, biochemical parameters on an ongoing basis
- Use antiestrogens to restore testosterone secretion and prevent gynecomastia
Contraindications to taking steroids[edit | edit code]
- Do not use anabolic steroids under the age of 25, as they can cause irreversible damage at a young age: changes in hormonal levels and stunting of growth as a result of the closure of bone growth plates.
- The use of steroids by women is not recommended. Masculinization is irreversible.
- Heart defects are also an absolute contraindication, as taking medications can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
- Kidney and liver failure
- Uncompensated arterial hypertension
- Benign prostate tumor
- Severe atherosclerosis
Medical and sports use of steroids
Anabolic steroids were first synthesized for medical use. Prescription to patients allows achieving the following treatment results:
•
Increased appetite • Stimulates metabolism • Normalizes cell nutrition • Accelerates the synthesis of protein and new cells • Increases body weight • Normalizes endocrine function of the body • Strengthens bones • Increases the number of red blood cells
Anabolic steroids are prescribed in complex therapy of the following conditions:
• Total exhaustion due to HIV/AIDS, severe illness or cancer • Recovery after radiotherapy and chemotherapy • Postoperative rehabilitation • Slow healing of fractures • Osteoporosis • Severe anemia • Growth retardation in children • Impaired puberty • Lack of appetite
Due to their ability to increase muscle mass, anabolic steroids are widely used in sports. Their regular use allows you to achieve quick and visible results. It is not difficult to buy steroids and then use them, because they belong to the category of doping drugs. Effects of using synthetic hormones:
• Stimulation of muscle growth and development • Improved muscle definition • Increased endurance and strength characteristics • Accelerated recovery after training • Strengthened bone tissue • Reduced body fat mass
Special cases[edit | edit code]
Suppression of the production of your own testosterone[edit | edit code]
A drop in testosterone during the course and subsequent recovery.
Inhibition of the secretion of endogenous testosterone is an inevitable consequence of taking anabolic drugs. When hormones are introduced into the body, a signal appears to the endocrine system about an excessive increase in their concentration in the plasma, which in turn leads to the suppression of their production in the testicles.
This is the so-called feedback mechanism. The body constantly strives for homeostasis, and if the concentration of a particular hormone begins to increase, the receptors record this and the endocrine system reduces the production of this hormone in order to restore endocrine balance. In this way, the secretion of almost all hormones is regulated.
The above figures show that with an increase in the concentration of nandrolone in the blood, the level of testosterone in the plasma begins to decrease in a mirror manner, then the reverse process occurs.
Prevention
Fortunately, this side effect is reversible.[1] To minimize the harm of steroids, it is necessary to use gonadotropin - this drug can effectively increase the production of your own testosterone, as well as prevent testicular atrophy.
In our body, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are constantly produced, they support testicular function (both spermatogenesis and the production of endogenous testosterone). During a steroid course, the production of LH and FSH is suppressed and the testicles begin to atrophy. Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (which acts as LH and FSH) helps restore hormonal balance and preserve testicular function.
Doses of gonadotropin depend on the “power” of the steroid course. If the duration of the course does not exceed 6 weeks, 1 drug is used in small doses, then there is no need for gonadotropin. If the duration of the course is more than 6 weeks, the dosage is too high, 2 or more anabolic agents are used: give 2 gonadotropin injections per week, 250 - 500 IU, starting from 3-4 weeks of the course.
You can often hear the opinion that the administration of gonadotropin is necessary only at the end of the course, but this is incorrect, since in this case the testicular tissue will not receive stimulation for a long time and will begin to atrophy, and this cannot be allowed; moreover, the inclusion of human chorionic gonadotropin in post-cycle therapy is more often everything turns out to be counter-productive. The administration of gonadotropin throughout the course allows maintaining testicular function. It is also worth emphasizing that the need for its use in this case is not related to weight gain, but to safety, which is why small dosages are needed.
To restore the secretion of your own testosterone, post-cycle therapy using antiestrogens in various dosages is successfully carried out.
Liver damage[edit | edit code]
Liver adenoma
Liver damage is one of the most well-known side effects, but its actual significance is quite low. The media often focuses on this problem as an inevitable consequence of using anabolic steroids.
Firstly, liver damage is caused only by tablet forms of drugs that have a methyl group at position 17. This group prevents the destruction of the drug in the liver, but makes it toxic to it. Secondly, side effects on the liver occur only when very large doses are consumed over significant periods of time.
Fatty liver
As confirmation of these words, we can cite the results of studies of Fluoxymesterone, Dianabol and Winstrol on laboratory animals. Scientists have found that liver tissue damage occurs only when doses are used that are 10 times higher than recommended.[2] For example, the toxic properties of Methandrostenolone begin to appear only at a daily dosage above 80 mg per day, while the recommended dose is approximately 20-30 mg.
Another study has already been conducted on humans. Two groups of athletes, one using steroids and the other training using only natural remedies, were examined for changes in the liver. Athletes who used steroids in high doses showed signs of liver damage, but after 3 months no changes were found.[3] Thus, we can conclude that the side effects on the liver are reversible.
Prevention
- do not exceed recommended doses
- do not use 17-alkylated drugs
- give preference to injectable forms, they are safe for the liver
Gynecomastia[edit | edit code]
Gynecomastia after taking anabolic drugs
Gynecomastia is a benign growth of the mammary glands in men. This side effect is very unpleasant, but it only occurs out of stupidity because it is very easy to avoid.
Gynecomastia is caused only by those drugs that are converted into estrogens (Methandrostenolone, Testosterones, Sustanon, etc.).
Oral Turinabol, Boldenone, Primobolan, Winstrol, Anavar, etc. almost never cause gynecomastia.
Prevention
If you plan to use drugs that aromatize to estrogen, then start taking aromatase inhibitors - Anastrozole 0.5 mg every other day starting from the second week of the course.[4] Antiestrogens are freely available in pharmacies. This gives an almost 100% guarantee of safety.
Very often you can hear stupid recommendations, such as: antiestrogens should be used only after completing the course or only when the first signs of gynecomastia appear. This is a serious mistake that is why so many athletes have gynecomastia (real example). Antiestrogens should be used throughout the course. Gynecomastia is often irreversible, so it needs to be prevented, not treated!
The optimal solution is to perform estrogen tests followed by adjusting the dose of aromatase inhibitors.
Acne (blackheads)[edit | edit code]
Acne (blackheads) during the course
is another common side effect. Acne occurs due to the fact that anabolic agents increase the secretion of sebum, which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles and the formation of acne. This effect is especially pronounced in highly androgenic drugs.[5]
Prevention
- Read the article: acne
- Keep your skin clean
- The drug Roaccutane is highly effective
Increased blood cholesterol[edit | edit code]
Anabolic steroids can lower high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) and increase low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol). Hypothetically, this could lead to atherosclerosis.
However, in practice this does not happen, due to the short duration of this effect. Within 4-6 weeks, the elevated cholesterol level does not lead to changes in organs and blood vessels, and after discontinuation of the drugs, the cholesterol level returns to its original level.
It should be noted that a rise in cholesterol does not always occur, and not all drugs have this side effect.
Prevention
- Take omega-3 fatty acids during the cycle
- Limit your intake of animal fats
Cardiovascular problems[edit | edit code]
Left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy (cross section at the level of the middle of the cavity)
It is known that the use of anabolic steroids is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system. This is likely due to their effect on cholesterol. In addition, abuse of drugs in this group can cause hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart. However, it is worth noting that strength training also leads to this.
Prevention
CT scan shows extensive coronary artery calcification in a 48-year-old bodybuilder with AAS abuse
- Do not take long courses or use large doses
- Include aerobic exercise in your training program
- Follow the recommendations described in the previous section on cholesterol
- Drugs to strengthen the heart
Read the main article:
Side effects of steroids on the heart
High blood pressure[edit | edit code]
This problem occurs because the AC:
- Retains sodium in the body
- Constrict blood vessels
- Increases circulating blood volume
Normal blood pressure should be below 140/90 mmHg. Art. (in the presence of diabetes mellitus, this figure decreases to 130/80 mm Hg). Systematically measure your blood pressure level using a tonometer. Preferably twice a day.
Prevention
This side effect of steroids is quite easily eliminated with 50 mg of Metoprolol and 5 mg of Enalapril. Capoten (captopril) is used to urgently reduce high blood pressure. If this is not enough, you can increase the dosage of antihypertensive drugs until your blood pressure normalizes. It should be noted that, subject to appropriate monitoring of the levels of Estradiol and Prolactin in the body, the use of antihypertensive drugs is extremely rarely required.
Kidney problems[edit | edit code]
The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products from the body. Taking anabolic steroids may increase the load on the kidneys, but the drugs do not have any direct toxic effects, and the increased load is associated with the increase in blood pressure described in the section above.
There are steroids (such as nandrolone) that are even used to treat some kidney diseases.
Prevention
- Normalization of blood pressure
Cognitive deficits and decreased brain volume[edit | edit code]
Many authors and athletes themselves note that during the course, cognitive abilities and, in general, motivation to perform intellectual activities decrease.[6][7] It is not entirely clear why this happens: because the mental function of the brain is inhibited or due to a change in priorities towards aggression and physical activity.
In 2016, Astrid Bjørnebekk et al studied[8] the long-term effects of anabolic steroid use on the brain. It turned out that the more a person abuses steroids, the smaller the volume of his brain and the thickness of the cortex. The data obtained are of a correlational nature, that is, it is not clear what is the root cause: the fact of using AS or, on the contrary, people with a smaller brain volume have a greater tendency to abuse.
Mental problems[edit | edit code]
Increased aggression is a very rare side effect of steroids, occurring in less than 3-5% of cases when high doses are used.
One study showed that temperament plays a major role, and if you are not prone to aggression in everyday life, then using AS will not lead to this problem.[9]
Scientists have identified a link between taking anabolic androgenic steroids and worsening mental health in the future. This conclusion was reached by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, who conducted an experiment with the participation of the best male athletes. The results of the study were published in the scientific publication British Journal of Sports Medicine. “We found a clear connection: athletes who had used anabolic-androgenic steroids in the past were more likely to be treated for depression, problems concentrating and aggressive behavior.”
, says Claudia Falke, director of the Education Center for Addiction Research. The researchers also found that those participants who took anabolic-androgenic steroids were more likely to use other illicit drugs, drugs, or alcohol in the future [10].
Baldness[edit | edit code]
Anabolic steroids can contribute to the development of alopecia in men, and this affects only the scalp, while the hair on other parts of the body may thicken slightly.
Scientists believe that baldness is associated with a gene that is located on the X chromosome, so AS can provoke this process only if there is a genetic predisposition. If no one in your family on the paternal or maternal side had alopecia, then it obviously does not threaten you either. Otherwise, this is an almost inevitable process.
The reason steroids cause baldness is due to dihydrotestosterone, so you may want to use drugs that do not convert to this metabolite.
Prevention
- Use ACs that do not convert to dihydrotestosterone
- Finasteride has been successfully used to prevent baldness, but the drug has quite a few side effects.
- Minoxidil (Alerana) spray, registered as a drug for the treatment of baldness, has proven effectiveness.
- Low androgenic courses
Blood clots[edit | edit code]
Scanning electron microscopy photograph of a fibrin clot.
Increase by 6500 times The use of anabolic drugs leads to an increase in prothrombin time or, in other words, to an increase in blood clotting. In rare cases, in older people, this may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, which occur due to the formation of microthrombi in the supplying vessels.
Prevention
To exclude the harm of steroids to the heart, over the age of 40 years, as well as people with a high platelet count in the blood and a history of increased blood clotting, it is recommended to use antiplatelet agents: Aspirin cardio at a dose of 100 mg per day, cardiomagnyl at a dose of 75 mg at night after dinner . These drugs inhibit platelet aggregation and eliminate the possibility of blood clots forming in blood vessels. However, they are not recommended for persons suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, as well as any gastrointestinal diseases in the acute phase.
Virilization[edit | edit code]
Masculinization
Virilization or masculinization are irreversible changes in the female body that are associated with the acquisition of masculine traits: deepening of the voice, atrophy of the mammary glands, clitoral hypertrophy, masculine facial features, etc.
These symptoms occur especially often when using drugs with a low anabolic index.
Stopping growth[edit | edit code]
Bone growth zone
This is an irreversible condition. It is only relevant at a young age, when the bone growth zones have not yet closed. For this reason, it is not recommended to take anabolic steroids under the age of 25.[11]
This effect is especially pronounced in aromatized drugs.
Prostate hypertrophy[edit | edit code]
First of all, it must be said that steroid drugs only in rare cases contribute to prostate enlargement, and this usually occurs after the age of 40, in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
Dihydrotestosterone is put forward as the main cause, as in the case of baldness.
Prevention
Finasteride has been successfully used as prevention and treatment.
Positive effect of using AC
Anabolic steroids provide the following positive effects:
Increased physical performance
This is the most general effect of AC, which is a consequence of other effects. It does not depend on whether a person trains or not, and will manifest itself in any case. Although in athletes its manifestation will be much stronger.
Acceleration of growth rates of strength indicators
Of course, this effect occurs with accompanying heavy training and appropriate nutrition. The reason for this is quite simple: anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis in the human body. In muscles, these are the proteins of myofibrils (the main contractile elements) - actin and myosin. Actin and myosin cannot “increase” by themselves. Individual muscle fibers increase, mainly in thickness (due to the construction of new myofibrils). An increase in length also occurs (due to the elongation of existing myofibrils), although to a much lesser extent.
Some studies indicate the anti-catabolic effect of AS, coupled with heavy training, which also contributes to the growth of strength indicators. It is also believed that some strength may be gained by increasing sarcoplasmic volume and overall water retention.
Accelerating muscle growth rates
In many ways, the reasons for this effect are the same as the previous one: an increase in the number and growth of myofibrils, an increase in the volume of sarcoplasm, and general water retention in the body. This is due to the ability of AS to stimulate protein synthesis in the body. They have a positive effect on nitrogen metabolism, cause nitrogen retention in the body and reduce the excretion of urea by the kidneys; there is also a delay in the release of potassium, sulfur and phosphorus necessary for the synthesis of proteins (and as a consequence of this - water retention).
Reduced recovery time
This applies to both post-training and post-traumatic recovery. AS are used in medicine for those recovering from severe injuries, surgeries, burns and other diseases accompanied by protein loss. That is, here too the reason lies in the anabolic effect of the drug.
Fast recovery significantly increases the effectiveness of training (which is why “chemical” athletes can train much more often). There is more effective healing of injured ligaments, muscles and bones, and a reduction in pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.
Increased strength endurance
This is a complex factor, that is, its occurrence is due to several effects of AS. There is reason to believe that AS contribute to an increase in the number of mitochondria (and, consequently, increased tissue respiration) in muscles. In addition, when taking AS, the blood volume increases and the level of hemoglobin in the blood increases, which ultimately increases endurance.
Improved appetite
To achieve the effect simultaneously with AS, both the recovering patient and the intensely “plowing” bodybuilder must receive adequate amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals from food.
Reduction of fat layer
Given appropriate nutrition, this effect has been noted, although it is not yet clear by what mechanisms it may occur.
The anti-catabolic effect of AS is of great importance. Naturally, these effects are fully manifested with heavy physical activity and appropriate nutrition. But it must be remembered that AS are intended primarily for sick people who do not exercise or diet at all and nevertheless increase muscle mass.
You often hear that steroids will only work with a “proper training program” plus nutrition and supplements. So, this is complete nonsense, because a “chemist” will grow even on the most ridiculous program, but his appetite will grow by itself.
Let's get back to muscle growth. Recently, other reasons for the increase in muscle mass when taking AS have been identified. This, as mentioned above, includes, first of all, the activation of myosatellite cells (satellite cells constitute a reserve of skeletal-type muscle tissue, they ensure the growth of muscle fibers in length and retain the ability for myogenic differentiation throughout life) and an increase in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio.
Of great importance is the fact that the so-called androgenic steroids significantly stimulate the production of growth hormone (somatotropic hormone or growth hormone, produced in the pituitary gland), and indirectly IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor - insulin-like growth factor - 1), and also increase sensitivity of myosatellite cells to growth factors.
That is, muscle growth is caused not only by hypertrophy (an increase in tissue volume due to an increase in the size of individual elements), but also by hyperplasia (an increase in tissue volume due to an increase in the number of individual elements) of muscle fibers.
In other words, taking AS makes it unnecessary to inject growth hormone or its mediator, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor). Anabolic steroids do the same job and give the same effect.
It is also worth noting that AS stimulate the resynthesis of creatine phosphate and promote the accumulation of glycogen in muscles. As a result, there is an opportunity for more intense and volumetric training. In addition, when taking AC, there is an improvement in muscle reaction time, especially when fatigue sets in, as well as an improvement in muscle memory.
Notes[edit | edit code]
- Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 84 (2003) 369-375)
- Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Feb;31(2):243-50, Rat liver lysosomal and mitochondrial activities are modified by anabolic-androgenic steroids. Molano F, Saborido A, Delgado J, Moran M, Megias A.
- Int J Sports Med 1996 Aug;17(6):429-33, Body composition, cardiovascular risk factors and liver function in long-term androgenic-anabolic steroids using bodybuilders three months after drug withdrawal. Hartgens F, Kuipers H, Wijnen JA, Keizer HA.
- GYNECOMASTIA: ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT Chapter 14 - Ronald S. Swerdloff, MD, Jason Ng, MD, and Gladys E. Palomeno, MD, March 1, 2004
- Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(8):571-8. 2. Clin Dermatol. 2004 Sep-Oct;22(5):419-28. 3. Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 2004 May;16(95):490-2.
- Kanayama G, Kean J, Hudson JI, Pope HG, Jr. (2012): Cognitive deficits in long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid users. Drug and alcohol dependence
- Su TP, Pagliaro M, Schmidt PJ, Pickar D, Wolkowitz O, Rubinow DR (1993): Neuropsychiatric effects of anabolic steroids in male normal volunteers. JAMA: the journal of the American Medical Association. 269:2760-2764
- https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(16)32529-X/abstract
- Archives of General Psychiatry, Volume 57, February 2000.
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130520094836.htm
- Human Anatomy and Physiology, 6th Edition, John W. Hole jr., Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
- Fertil Steril. 2004 Jan;81(1):226. 2. Urology. 2000 Oct 1;56(4):669.3. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1985 Oct;61(4):746-52 4. Fertil Steril. 1994 May;61(5):911-4. 5. Andrologia. 1985 Sep-Oct;17(5):497-501 6. Urol Clin North Am. 1986 Aug;13(3):455-63.
- https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/humrep/dex283/4103445/Preconception-urinary-phthalate-concentrations-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext
How do anabolic steroids affect the brain?
Anabolic steroids work differently than other drugs; they have no short-term effects on the brain. The most important difference is that steroids do not directly activate the reward system, nor do they cause a rapid increase in the brain chemical dopamine, which most drugs increase.
Misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to negative mental effects such as:
paranoid (extreme, unreasonable) jealousy
extreme irritability and aggression (“mad rage”)
delusions - false beliefs or ideas; impaired judgment
thinking disorder
mania
