Anabolic steroid

This article is about exogenously administered androgens. For androgens as natural hormones, see Androgen.

Anabolic–androgenic steroids
Drug class
Chemical structure of the natural AAS testosterone (androst-4-en-17β-ol-3-one).
Class identifiers
SynonymsAnabolic steroids; Androgens
UseVarious
ATC codeA14A
Biological targetAndrogen receptor (AR)
Chemical classSteroids; Androstanes; Estranes
Clinical data
Drugs.comDrug Classes
External links
MeSHD045165
Legal status
Legal status
In Wikidata

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of drugs that are structurally related to testosterone, the main male sex hormone, and produce effects by binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Anabolic steroids have a number of medical uses,[1] but are also used by athletes to increase muscle size, strength, and performance.

Health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of AAS.[2][3] These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage (mainly with most oral AAS), and left ventricular hypertrophy.[4] These risks are further increased when athletes take steroids alongside other drugs, causing significantly more damage to their bodies.[5] The effect of anabolic steroids on the heart can cause myocardial infarction and strokes.[5] Conditions pertaining to hormonal imbalances such as gynecomastia and testicular size reduction may also be caused by AAS.[6] In women and children, AAS can cause irreversible masculinization.[6]

Ergogenic uses for AAS in sports, racing, and bodybuilding as performance-enhancing drugs are controversial because of their adverse effects and the potential to gain advantage in physical competitions. Their use is referred to as doping and banned by most major sporting bodies. Athletes have been looking for drugs to enhance their athletic abilities since the Olympics started in Ancient Greece.[5] For many years, AAS have been by far the most detected doping substances in IOC-accredited laboratories.[7][8] Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances in many countries,[9] meaning that AAS have recognized medical use but are also recognized as having a potential for abuse and dependence, leading to their regulation and control. In countries where AAS are controlled substances, there is often a black market in which smuggled, clandestinely manufactured or even counterfeit drugs are sold to users.

  1. ^ Ganesan K, Rahman S, Zito PM (2023). "Anabolic Steroids". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. PMID 29494025. Endogenous anabolic steroids such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and synthetic anabolic steroids mediate their effects by binding to and activating androgen receptors.
  2. ^ Barrett-Connor EL (June 1995). "Testosterone and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men". Diabète & Métabolisme. 21 (3): 156–161. PMID 7556805.
  3. ^ Yamamoto Y, Moore R, Hess HA, Guo GL, Gonzalez FJ, Korach KS, et al. (June 2006). "Estrogen receptor alpha mediates 17alpha-ethynylestradiol causing hepatotoxicity". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 281 (24): 16625–16631. doi:10.1074/jbc.M602723200. PMID 16606610. S2CID 83319949.
  4. ^ De Piccoli B, Giada F, Benettin A, Sartori F, Piccolo E (August 1991). "Anabolic steroid use in body builders: an echocardiographic study of left ventricle morphology and function". International Journal of Sports Medicine. 12 (4): 408–412. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1024703. PMID 1917226. S2CID 19425569.
  5. ^ a b c Green GA (September 2009). "Performance-enhancing drug use". Orthopedics. 32 (9): 647–649. doi:10.3928/01477447-20090728-39. PMID 19751025.
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference pmid21443513 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Hartgens F, Kuipers H (2004). "Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes". Sports Medicine. 34 (8): 513–554. doi:10.2165/00007256-200434080-00003. PMID 15248788. S2CID 15234016.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference pmid12880534 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Powers M (2011). "Performance-Enhancing Drugs". In Houglum J, Harrelson GL (eds.). Principles of Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers (2nd ed.). SLACK Incorporated. p. 345. ISBN 978-1-55642-901-9. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2016.