Anabolic steroids, amyl and butyl nitrite, hypno-sedatives, volatile substances, over-the-counter drugs, smart and eco drugs
G. Hussein Rassool in Alcohol and Drug Misuse, 2017
Steroids are hormones that occur naturally in the body and control the development and functioning of the reproductive system. The term anabolic means to chemically build up or muscle-building. Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. Some common names for anabolic steroids are Roids, Juice, Gear and Stackers. Steroids are typically used without prescription by athletes and bodybuilders in order to build up muscle mass, reduce the fatigue involved in training regimes, boost self-confidence and improve body image. Anabolic steroids are taken orally, or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months (referred to as “cycling”), rather than continuously. The doses taken are higher than doses prescribed for the treatment of medical conditions. Steroids can also be applied to the skin as a cream, gel or patch. Synthetic anabolic steroids, in particular, the modified male sex hormone, testosterone, form the main market supplies.
Power and power endurance: the explosive sports
Nick Draper, Helen Marshall in Exercise Physiology, 2014
Anabolic steroids include the male hormone testosterone, and the synthetic derivatives of testosterone. The structure of testosterone is illustrated in Figure 2.13 in Chapter 2. Testosterone is produced primarily in the testes (95%) but also in the adrenal cortex (5%) and is derived from cholesterol. Testosterone is the most important anabolic and androgenic hormone in the body. Anabolic, as was discussed in Chapter 2, refers to reactions that synthesise larger products. Testosterone, through its anabolic effect, leads to growth of bone, muscle and other tissues within the body. The androgenic effects of testosterone, referring to changes in primary and secondary sexual characteristics, include enlargement of the penis and testes, the growth of hair on the face and genital area, along with changes in the voice and an increase in aggressiveness. There are a wide range of anabolic steroids designed to mimic the anabolic effects, but minimise the androgenic effects. While synthetic steroid users seek to harness the anabolic effects, it is the androgenic effects, which can be reduced but not eliminated, that provide the major side effects. Table 9.4 provides examples of some common anabolic steroids and their possible side effects.
Ejaculation Disorders
Philipa A Brough, Margaret Denman in Introduction to Psychosexual Medicine, 2019
As most readers will know, one of the most commonly used drugs, alcohol, can have an inhibitory effect on ejaculation but this is probably a secondary effect to a general numbing of both the erectile response (Brewer's droop) and the other phases of sexual reactivity. However, this is dose related as small amounts of alcohol can initially release inhibitions and cause a heightened awareness and responsiveness, especially of the libido. Other recreational drugs can have similar effects; some, such as amphetamines, initially enhance energy, social confidence and libido but then cause the opposite as alertness wanes and side effects kick in. γ-Hydroxybutrate (GHB) has a stimulating effect on sexual desire in small doses but is a strong sedative and anaesthetic in a higher dose. Anabolic steroids are taken for various reasons: to build muscle, to look good and to enhance performance in sport or bodybuilding. These are man-made versions of testosterone but they suppress testicular function with resultant negative effects on sexual function.
Personal and psychosocial factors associated with anabolic-androgenic steroid use among Iranian male bodybuilders
Published in Journal of Substance Use, 2018
Mohammad Hassan Saati Asr, Saeed Bashirian, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Majid Barati, Babak Moeini
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are one of the most common illegal supplements among athletes (Christou et al., 2017; Koh, Freeman, & Zaslawski, 2012; Rashidlamir, Dehbashi, & Taghizadeh, 2014). Anabolic steroids promote the growth of skeletal muscle, which leads to a tendency among athletes, especially weightlifters and bodybuilders, to use these drugs (Bijeh, Dehbashi, & Saghi, 2014; Koh et al., 2012). The results of previous studies are indicative of 13%–50% prevalence of AAS among Iranian bodybuilders (Jalilian et al., 2012). AAS abuse is associated with side effects such as infertility and sterility, unwanted hair growth, acne, liver problems, and testicular atrophy (Arazi & Hosseini, 2011; Christou et al., 2017; Jalilian et al., 2012). In addition, AAS use can cause behavioral and personality disorders and is a start for using drugs and alcoholic beverages (Allahverdipour et al., 2012; Jalilian et al., 2012, 2011; Korkia, 1998).
Association between testosterone with type 2 diabetes in adult males, a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Published in The Aging Male, 2020
Jianzhong Zhang, Xiao Li, Zhonglin Cai, Hongjun Li, Bin Yang
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In males, testosterone plays an important role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as penis, testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics. In addition, testosterone is involved in health and well-being, and the prevention of osteoporosis [5,6]. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, inflammatory diseases and increased cardiovascular risk factors [7–9]. The corresponding is that testosterone supplement therapy can improve glycemic control, urinary and sexual function, voiding symptoms, and quality of life [10–15]. Although the importance of testosterone in maintaining cardiovascular health is still controversial [16], maintaining normal testosterone levels in elderly men has been shown to improve many parameters that are thought to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, such as increased lean body mass, decreased visceral fat mass, decreased total cholesterol, and glycemic control [8].
Use and safety of appearance and performance enhancing supplements in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men receiving daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Published in AIDS Care, 2023
Salin Nhean, Alice Tseng, Nancy L. Sheehan, Isaac I. Bogoch
The use of APES may be associated with potential health risks (Favreau et al., 2002; Navarro et al., 2014), including serious hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity (US Food and Drug Administration, 2017). Anabolic steroids are associated with severe adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and aggression (Evans, 2004; Food and Drug Administration, 2017). Additionally, there are case reports of otherwise young healthy men who developed acute liver toxicity and elevated serum creatinine (SCr) after ingesting muscle-building supplements containing creatine and whey protein (Avelar-Escobar et al., 2012; Whitt et al., 2008). In 2013, an investigation by the United States government found 17 of 22 patients exposed to a particular weight-loss supplement required hospitalization with one necessitating liver transplant (Chatham-Stephens et al., 2017).
Related Knowledge Centers
- Acne
- Androgen Receptor
- Hepatotoxicity
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
- Testosterone
- Hypertension
- Sex Hormone
- Cholesterol
- Low-Density Lipoprotein
- High-Density Lipoprotein