Anabolics Mall
How do anabolic steroids affect the endocrine system?
Anabolic steroids imitate the endocrine hormone testosterone,
leading to the many possible side effects described in this
database. They cause the pituitary gland to stop secreting FSH and
LH, which results in temporary infertility in men and menstrual
irregularities in women.(1,2)
Steroids cause the thyroid, which regulates the body's
metabolic rate, to stop secreting the hormone TSH.(2,3)
In spite of this, the thyroid gland itself appears to be
unaffected, and thyroid function is normal.(3)
In rats prone to diabetes, anabolic steroids speed the
development of diabetes.(4) In humans, steroids are
associated with increased insulin resistance and changes in glucose
tolerance.(2,5) These conditions imitate the symptoms
of diabetes, although there has never been a case of diabetes known
to have been caused by steroid abuse.(2,4,5)
REFERENCES
1. Wagner JC. Abuse of drugs used to enhance athletic
performance. American Journal Of Hospital Pharmacy 1989
Oct;46:2059-67.
2. Johnson MD. Steroids. Adolescent Med 1991 Feb;2(1):79-93.
3. Johnson MD. Anabolic steroid use in adolescent athletes.
Pediatr Clin North Am 1990 Oct;37(5):1111-23.
4. Hickson RC, Ball KL, Falduto MT. Adverse effects of anabolic
steroids. Med Toxicol Adv Drug Experience 1989 Jul-
Aug;4(4):254-71.
5. Cohen JC, Hickman R. Insulin resistance and diminished glucose
tolerance in power lifters ingesting anabolic steroids. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab 1987;64(5):960-3.
by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph.
(c) 1992 University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: Steroid use is illegal in a vast number of countries around the world. This is not without reason. Steroids should only be used when prescribed by your doctor and under close supervision. Steroid use is not to be taken lightly and we do not in any way endorse or approve of illegal drug use. The information is provided on the same basis as all the other information on this site, as informational/entertainment value.
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Disclaimer: The information presented is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made.