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