Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Description

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, also known as Anabolic Steroids, are a group of Patented Medicines that possess tissue-building (anabolic) and masculinizing (androgenic) effects.  Most Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids are synthetically produced and are analogues of Testosterone (i.e. they have a slightly different chemical structure to that of Testosterone).  Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids differ from one another primarily in their resistance to metabolic degradation by endogenous Enzymes within the Liver.

Whether or not a specific therapeutic application of A-ASs use is regarded as illicit or not depends on the laws of individual countries - many countries deem the use of A-ASs for Muscle Growth purposes to be illicit.

Cardiovascular System

 Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (A-ASs) may decrease serum Lipoprotein (a) levels (Lipoprotein (a) is a risk factor for Atherosclerosis and other Cardiovascular Diseases): 

 In one study,. the serum levels of Lp(a) in 18 male bodybuilders (10 of whom had used (and were still using) various types of A-ASs for an average of 5 years, and 8 who had never used A-ASs) were compared:  the study concluded that the use of A-ASs decreased serum Lp(a) levels].

Immune System

 Some types of A-ASs are prescribed by physicians toAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome patients (A-ASs help to counteractthe Cachexia (Muscle Wasting syndrome) that occurs during the progression of AIDS).  ^[1]

 Most A-ASs stimulate some aspects of the Immune System (note that different A-ASs stimulate the Immune System to different extents). 

Metabolism

 Some types of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (A-ASs) have been found to improve Athletic Performance and Stamina: 

 In one study, rats administered Nandrolone Phenpropionate exhibited an increase in running endurance of 41% and an increase in maximum sprinting speed of 29% after eight weeks of administration.

 Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids improve .

Musculoskeletal System

 Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids counteract Cachexia.  ^[2]