Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Reversibility of the effects on blood cells, lipids, liver function and hormones in former anabolic–androgenic steroid abusers
Abstract
Background: In contrast to the acute effects of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse, the long-term risk profile of former long-term abusers (ExA) is less clear.
Methods: Blood parameters of 32 male bodybuilders and powerlifters were studied. Fifteen ExA had not been abusing AAS for at least 12–43 months on average (mean dosage 700 mg for 26 weeks per year over 9 years), 17 athletes (A) were still abusing AAS (750 mg for 33 weeks per 8 years).
Findings: Hemoglobin (+5%), leucocytes (+33%) and platelets (+38%) were significantly higher in A. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher, cholinesterase activity (CHE) lower in A (65±55, 38±27 and 3719±1528 U/l) compared to ExA (24±10, 18±11 and 6345±975 U/l; each P<0.001) with normal values for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) and bilirubin. ALT, AST and CHE correlated significantly with the extent (duration and weekly dosage, expressed as a point score) of AAS abuse in A (r=0.68, 0.57 and −0.62; each P<0.01). Total and LDL-cholesterol were similar, HDL-cholesterol was distinctly lower in A than in ExA (17±11 and 43±11 mg/dl; P<0.001) and correlated negatively with the extent of AAS abuse (r=−0.50; P<0.05). Testosterone and estradiol were significantly higher, while LH, FSH and the sexual-hormone-binding (SHB) protein were lower in A than in ExA (each P<0.001). Two ExA had testosterone levels below the normal range.
Interpretation: The alterations in cell counts, HDL-cholesterol, liver function and most hormones of the pituitary–testicular axis induced by a long-term abuse of AAS were reversible after stopping the medication for over 1 year. In some ExA, an increased ALT activity and a depressed testosterone synthesis were found.
Reversibility of the effects on blood cells, lipids, liver function and hormones in former anabolic–androgenic steroid abusers
BLOOD TESTS TO MONITOR WHILE ON ANABOLIC STEROIDS OR TESTOSTERONE
Abstract
Background: In contrast to the acute effects of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse, the long-term risk profile of former long-term abusers (ExA) is less clear.
Methods: Blood parameters of 32 male bodybuilders and powerlifters were studied. Fifteen ExA had not been abusing AAS for at least 12–43 months on average (mean dosage 700 mg for 26 weeks per year over 9 years), 17 athletes (A) were still abusing AAS (750 mg for 33 weeks per 8 years).
Findings: Hemoglobin (+5%), leucocytes (+33%) and platelets (+38%) were significantly higher in A. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher, cholinesterase activity (CHE) lower in A (65±55, 38±27 and 3719±1528 U/l) compared to ExA (24±10, 18±11 and 6345±975 U/l; each P<0.001) with normal values for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) and bilirubin. ALT, AST and CHE correlated significantly with the extent (duration and weekly dosage, expressed as a point score) of AAS abuse in A (r=0.68, 0.57 and −0.62; each P<0.01). Total and LDL-cholesterol were similar, HDL-cholesterol was distinctly lower in A than in ExA (17±11 and 43±11 mg/dl; P<0.001) and correlated negatively with the extent of AAS abuse (r=−0.50; P<0.05). Testosterone and estradiol were significantly higher, while LH, FSH and the sexual-hormone-binding (SHB) protein were lower in A than in ExA (each P<0.001). Two ExA had testosterone levels below the normal range.
Interpretation: The alterations in cell counts, HDL-cholesterol, liver function and most hormones of the pituitary–testicular axis induced by a long-term abuse of AAS were reversible after stopping the medication for over 1 year. In some ExA, an increased ALT activity and a depressed testosterone synthesis were found.
Reversibility of the effects on blood cells, lipids, liver function and hormones in former anabolic–androgenic steroid abusers
BLOOD TESTS TO MONITOR WHILE ON ANABOLIC STEROIDS OR TESTOSTERONE
