Anabolic steroids, which affect the body's testosterone system, increase athletic abilities and hasten rehabilitation. According to the website isteroids.com, these performance-enhancing drugs come in two types: "bulk up" steroids and "lean out" steroids. Bodybuilders preparing for a competition typically use the latter substances. These medications reduce body fat and "harden" muscles. Most cutting steroids derive from dihydrotestosterone. This metabolite of testosterone produces masculine effects without causing feminine effects, yet cutting steroids still cause adverse reactions.
Possible Stroke
Winthrop Laboratories makes the drug stanozolol under the trade name of Winstrol. Bodybuilders and weightlifters consider this drug an effective cutting steroid. A 2008 case report in "Clinical Neuropharmacology" demonstrates the potential side effects of this drug. A 26-year-old recreational athlete suffered a stroke following the use of stanozolol. Though a causal relationship between Winstrol use and stroke risk remains difficult to establish, animal studies consistently show that stanozolol has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. A 2005 experiment described in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology tested the effects of stanozolol in male rats. Animals given Winstrol showed cardiac enlargement and high blood pressure relative to controls. These studies suggest that cutting steroids may achieve their positive effects by increasing cardiac output. Unfortunately, such an increase can cause a stroke.
Risk of Heart Disease
The Schering Company produces mesterolone as a hormone replacement therapy known as Proviron. This synthetic steroid reduces body fat, giving the muscles of bodybuilders a hardened look. Proviron doesn't increase muscle size, yet it produces unwanted side effects. A 2008 report in the International Journal of Experimental Pathology evaluated the effects of mesterolone on the lipid profile of mice. Lipid assays provide an assessment of heart disease risk. Mesterolone administration increased cholesterol and triglycerides, suggesting it increased risk. The steroid also caused heart enlargement. Such results are not surprising, given that anabolic steroids often cause pathological lipid profiles.
Masculine Effects
Searle Laboratories sells oxandrolone, a synthetic steroid, as Anavar. This medication facilitates cutting in bodybuilders. Oxandrolone also has legitimate medical uses, but adverse events complicate these uses. A 2010 report in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism tested Anavar in patients with Turner's syndrome. This genetic disorder, affecting only females, features physical abnormalities, menstrual difficulties and cognitive challenges. Doctors often recommend growth hormone and oxandrolone intake to help rectify this devastating syndrome. Yet such treatment causes many side effects. In the 2010 study, Anavar reduced breast development and caused the appearance of masculine characteristics such as hair growth and voice deepening. Female bodybuilders taking oxandrolone often experience these negative effects as well.
References
- isteroids.com: The Best Steroids
- "Clinical Neuropharmacology"; Ischemic Stroke Related to Anabolic Abuse; R. D. Santamarina et al.; March 2008
- Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Effects of Chronic Anabolic Steroid Treatment on Tonic and Reflex Cardiovascular Control in Male Rats; A. Beutel et al.; January 2005
- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism; Efficacy and Safety of Oxandrolone in Growth Hormone-Treated Girls with Turner Syndrome; L. A. Menke et al.; March 2010
- International Journal of Experimental Pathology; Adverse Effect of the Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Mesterolone on Cardiac Remodelling and Lipoprotein Profile is Attenuated by Aerobic Exercise Training; K. Fontana et al.; October 2008
