Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are a group of both natural and synthetic derivatives of steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division. This process leads to the development of various tissues, especially muscle and bone. Anabolic steroids are often classified by their combined androgenic and anabolic properties, which results in them being referred to as AAS (anabolic/androgenic steroids) in many medical contexts. Amongst these, Testosterone stands out as the most potent naturally-occurring anabolic steroid, while its derivative dihydrotestosterone reigns supreme as the most influential natural androgen. Athletes have frequently exploited these steroids, viewing them as performance-enhancing agents.

Mesterolone

Anabolic steroids

Steroid receptor

Anabolic and Virilizing Effects

The dual action of most anabolic steroids is notable. Firstly, they influence the androgen receptor, enhancing protein synthesis. Concurrently, they work against the detrimental effects of the stress hormone, cortisol, on muscle tissue, hence reducing muscle catabolism and shortening recovery time.

Anabolic impacts include:

Augmented protein synthesis via amino acids. Boosted muscle strength and size. Elevated appetite. Enhanced bone growth and remodeling. Stimulation of bone marrow for increased red blood cell production. On the flip side, the virilizing (androgenic) effects encompass:

Enlarged clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy) in females and growth of the penis in male children (Note: the adult penis does not continue to grow indefinitely due to androgen exposure). Proliferation of androgen-sensitive hair types, including pubic, beard, chest, and limb hair. Augmentation in vocal cord size, leading to voice deepening. Intensified libido. Diminished endogenous sex hormone levels. Disrupted spermatogenesis.

Adverse Effects

Many androgens undergo metabolism to generate estrogenic compounds, which then bind to estrogen receptors. This often results in undesirable repercussions:

High blood pressure. Shifts in cholesterol – a rise in LDL and a drop in HDL levels. Acne outbursts due to sebaceous gland stimulation. Deterioration in sexual function and temporary infertility. Conversion to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), which can cause premature balding. Aggression elevation, occasionally leading to symptoms such as violence, mania, and psychosis – colloquially termed "roid rage." Heart enlargement, due to its muscular nature and consequent vulnerability to the muscle-growing properties of the hormones. This enlargement augments the risk of future cardiac events. Liver injuries, especially with oral anabolic steroids that have been 17-alpha-alkylated to evade destruction during digestion. Overgrowth of the gingival region, which can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, eventually leading to periodontal infections. Male-centric side effects encompass:

Gynecomastia – Unusual development of breast tissue stemming from aromatization. Testicular atrophy – A temporary and reversible effect, provided the duration of steroid exposure isn't extended. Potential onset or exacerbation of prostate cancer, especially since heavy steroid usage can influence hormone-sensitive tissues. This enlargement typically results from the conversion of anabolic steroids into DHT via the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. For females, irreversible virilizing effects involve:

An uptick in body hair growth. Voice deepening. Enlargement of the clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy). Temporary disruptions in the menstrual cycle. Adverse effects specific to adolescents include:

Growth impairment – Prolonged usage can prematurely halt bone elongation due to premature epiphyseal fusion, which is accelerated by increased estrogen levels. Swift bone maturation. Initial beard development. Efforts to engineer an ideal anabolic steroid (one with purely anabolic effects devoid of virilizing or other side effects) have been relentless. Many synthetic anabolic steroids have been concocted in a bid to identify molecules that tilt more towards anabolic than androgenic action. However, none have been wholly successful.

Use in Medicine

Anabolic steroids have been used in medicine to treat several conditions, including:

Anemia – As they boost red blood cell production. Osteoporosis – Due to their bone-building properties. Muscle wasting – Such as with cachexia linked with HIV or cancer. Hormonal replacement in men with low testosterone levels. Recovery from burn injuries. Treatment of certain adolescent growth disorders. Aiding recovery post surgery. Management of hereditary angioedema.

Misuse and Abuse

The allure of gaining muscular bulk and strength coupled with the anticipation of improved athletic performance has enticed many to misuse and abuse anabolic steroids. This phenomenon isn't exclusive to athletes, as even recreational users fall prey to the appeal. Chronic misuse can result in dependence, making it arduous for individuals to quit. Regular screenings, including blood tests and liver function tests, are paramount for those consuming these compounds.

History

Anabolic steroids are believed to have been inadvertently discovered by German scientists in the early 1930s, but at the time the discovery was not considered significant enough to warrant further study. The first known reference to an anabolic steroid in a US weightlifting/bodybuilding magazine is testosterone propinate in a letter to the editor in Strength and Health magazine in 1938. In the 1950s, scientific interest was rekindled, and methandrostenolone (Dianabol) was approved for use in the United States by the federal Food and Drug Administration in 1958 after promising trials had been conducted in other countries.

By the early 1990s several pharmaceutical companies stopped manufacturing or marketing the products in the United States, including Ciba, Searle, Syntex and others.

In addition, an entire market for counterfeit drugs emerged at this time. Never seen in the previous 30 years of their availability on the U.S. market, computers and scanning technology made the ease of counterfeiting legitimate products by utilizing their original label design, and the market was flooded with products that contained everything from mere vegetable oil to toxic substances which unsuspecting users injected into themselves, of which some died as a result of blood poisoning, methanol poisoning or subcutaneous abcess.

Concerns over the growing illicit market and the prevalence of abuse, combined with the possibility of harmful longterm effects of steroid use, led the U.S. Congress in 1991 to place anabolic steroids into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA defines anabolic steroids as any drug or hormonal substance chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone (other than estrogens, progestins, and corticosteroids) that promotes muscle growth. Most illicit anabolic steroids are sold at gyms, competitions, and through the mail. For the most part, these substances are smuggled into the United States. In addition, a significant number of counterfeit products are sold as anabolic steroids, particularly via mail order from websites posing as overseas pharmacies.

On January 20, 2005, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 took effect, amending the Controlled Substance Act to place both anabolic steroids and prohormones on a list of controlled substances, making possession of the banned substances a federal crime.

List of anabolic compounds commonly used as ergogenic aids

• Testosterone (attached to various esters enanthate, cypionate, propinate or suspended in oil or water)
• Methandrostenolone / methandienone (Dianabol)
• Nandrolone / Nor-testosterone (Deca-durabolin)
• Boldenone (Equipoise)
• Stanozolol (Winstrol)
• Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50)
• Oxandrolone (Anavar)
• Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
• Trenbolone (Fina)
• Methenolone Enanthate (Primobolan)

NB: many of these products are no longer available from the original manufacturer and are now manufactured by "underground" laboratories in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but are still widely available in certain countries, in most cases from a subsidiary of the original manufacturer (e.g. Schering, Organon).

Summary

Anabolic steroids, potent derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, harbor an array of beneficial and detrimental effects. Their capacity to spur muscle growth and bolster athletic prowess, while bewitching, comes accompanied by a gamut of health hazards. As the quest for the perfect steroid persists, understanding the risks and rewards linked with these substances is paramount for safeguarding user health.

External links

• U.S. DEA: Steroids
• NIDA Infofacts
• Experiences from anabolic steroid users
• Anabolic Steroid Information

Anabolic Steroids Resources
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