Anabolic Steroids

• Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed to maximize anabolic (muscle-building) effects while minimizing androgenic (masculinizing) effects.

Chemical structure of the natural AAS testosterone 

Physiological Roles:

• Promote muscle and bone growth with reduced androgenic activity.

• Examples: Nandrolone, Oxandrolone, Stanozolol.

Pharmacological Actions:

Anabolic Actions:

• Promote protein synthesis and muscle growth.

• Increase bone density.

• Stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

Examples of Anabolic Steroids:

• Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin): Treats anemia and muscle-wasting diseases.

• Stanozolol (Winstrol): Used for hereditary angioedema and muscle growth.

• Oxandrolone (Anavar): Aids weight gain post-surgery/trauma and relieves bone pain in osteoporosis.

Mechanism of Action:

• Bind to androgen receptors, promoting protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy.

• Reduce catabolism by inhibiting glucocorticoid hormones.

Clinical Uses:

• Muscle Wasting Diseases: HIV/AIDS, cancer cachexia.

• Osteoporosis: Enhances bone density.

• Anemia: Stimulates erythropoiesis.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Treats testosterone deficiency in males.

Side Effects:

• Androgenic Effects: Acne, virilization in females (deep voice, hirsutism).

• Cardiovascular Risks: Dyslipidemia, hypertension, increased myocardial infarction risk.

• Hepatotoxicity: Especially with oral forms.

• Psychiatric Effects: Aggression, mood swings, dependence.

• Endocrine Disruption: Testicular atrophy, infertility, suppression of testosterone production.

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