Although competitive bodybuilders can achieve muscular physiques in a natural way, unfortunately, bodybuilding is a sport that has been associated with anabolic steroid use. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are sometimes used in the sport of bodybuilding to increase strength and muscle mass. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, anabolic steroid abuse is associated with liver cancer, heart attacks and elevated cholesterol levels.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two common types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, while HDL lowers your risk of heart disease by carrying cholesterol to your liver to be removed from your body.
Increased LDL and decreased HDL cholesterol are side effects of using anabolic steroids.
Cholesterol Recommendations
According to the American Heart Association, high blood cholesterol is a risk factor for developing coronary heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association defines desirable cholesterol levels as less than 200 mg/dL total cholesterol, and 60 mg/dL or higher HDL cholesterol.
Desirable LDL cholesterol levels may vary depending on how many risk factors you have for developing heart disease. These range from 100 mg/dL to 160 mg/dL. More detailed cholesterol recommendations are on the American Heart Association website.
Bodybuilding and Steroids
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, steroid abuse is well known to occur in professional sports including baseball and bodybuilding. Bodybuilders, especially those who compete in bodybuilding competitions, often take anabolic steroids to help increase muscle mass.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are commonly used in the sport of bodybuilding and are similar to testosterone, a male sex hormone. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states the most common anabolic-androgenic steroids taken are andro, dianabol, winstrol and deca-durabolin.
Side Effects of Steroids
Since anabolic-androgenic steroids are similar to the hormone testosterone, there are several unpleasant side effects that may occur while taking the drugs.
The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration lists common side effects from taking anabolic steroids. In men, baldness, shrinkage of testicles, loss of function of testicles, and development of breasts can occur.
Women who take steroids may grow facial and body hair, have menstrual irregularities, breast reduction or a deepened voice. Both men and women may experience acne, mood swings, jaundice, fluid retention, increased LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol.
Bodybuilding and Cholesterol
Natural bodybuilding, without the use of steroids, does not necessarily have a negative impact on cholesterol levels. Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids may experience an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Since HDL helps rid your body of cholesterol, it will decrease total cholesterol and your risk for developing heart disease. Bodybuilders who are not taking steroids may still have high cholesterol levels.
According to the American Heart Association, blood cholesterol can be reduced by limiting dietary saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and total fat.
References
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Steroids Facts and Figures
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol Levels
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Anabolic Steroids
- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration: Anabolic Steroids Hidden Dangers
