Anabolic Steroid Therapy

Anabolic steroid therapy refers to the medical use of anabolic steroids to treat various health conditions. Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone, a male sex hormone, in the body.

Medical Uses

• Hypogonadism: Anabolic steroid therapy is used to treat hypogonadism, a condition where the testes do not produce enough testosterone.
• Muscle wasting diseases: Anabolic steroids are used to treat muscle wasting diseases such as AIDS and cancer.
• Anemia: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells.
• Osteoporosis: Anabolic steroid therapy may be used to treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle and weak bones.
• Short stature: Anabolic steroids can be used to treat short stature in children and adolescents.

Types of Anabolic Steroids

There are several types of anabolic steroids, including:

• Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is used to treat hypogonadism.
• Nandrolone: Nandrolone is used to treat osteoporosis and anemia.
• Oxandrolone: Oxandrolone is used to treat short stature and muscle wasting diseases.
• Stanozolol: Stanozolol is used to treat hereditary angioedema, a condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe swelling.

Administration

Anabolic steroids can be administered through various routes, including:

• Intramuscular injection: Anabolic steroids can be injected into the muscle to promote absorption.
• Oral tablets or capsules: Anabolic steroids can be taken orally in tablet or capsule form.
• Topical creams or gels: Anabolic steroids can be applied topically to the skin as a cream or gel.

Risks and Side Effects

Anabolic steroid therapy can have several risks and side effects, including:

• Acne: Anabolic steroids can cause acne, particularly on the face and back.
• Aggressive behavior: Anabolic steroids can cause aggressive behavior, including mood swings and irritability.
• Blood clots: Anabolic steroids can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
• Liver damage: Anabolic steroids can cause liver damage, particularly with long-term use.
• Infertility: Anabolic steroid therapy can affect fertility in both men and women.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Patients undergoing anabolic steroid therapy require regular monitoring and follow-up to minimize the risks of side effects. This includes:

• Regular blood tests: Blood tests are used to monitor liver function, hormone levels, and other health markers.
• Physical examinations: Regular physical examinations are used to monitor for signs of side effects, such as acne or changes in body composition.
• Dose adjustments: The dose of anabolic steroids may need to be adjusted based on the patient's response to therapy and any side effects that occur.