Effects of self-administered, high-dose testosterone and anabolic steroids on serum hormones, lipids, entzymes and on spermatogenesis in power athletes

Abstract

Eleven top-level power athletes (6 control, 5 experimental subjects) completed the prospective 42 weeks of investigation aimed to elucidate androgenic-anabolic steroid effects on endocrinology and metabolism. During the first 26 weeks of strength training the experimental subjects self-administered testosterone and anabolic steroids in doses which exceeded the therapeutic dose by 5 to 12 times. After 26 weeks serum testosterone had increased 2. 3-fold. This was associated with a 7-fold increase in serum estradiol, leading to gynecomastia, and significant decreases in serum FSH and LH. Testicular function was impaired, as seen from both the low serum testosterone (9±8 nmol/1) immediately following drug withdrawal and azoospermia, and decreased testicular volume. Significantly decreased serum HDL and HDL₂ -cholesterol were detected, but total cholesterol was not affected. Serum ALAT, AFOS, γ-GT and total bilirubin remained within reference interval. A return towards the initial values was observed in the course of 12-16 weeks following drug withdrawal in the variables affected, indicating long-lasting impairment of testicular function and suggesting increased risk of later development of atherosclerosis. In the control group there were only insignificant fluctuations in the variables registered, except for a significant increase in serum LH after 26 weeks' training.