Nandrolone: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Anabolic Steroids (Anabolic–androgenic steroids – AAS)
An overview of their use, risks, and what you need to know before starting therapy.
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1. What are Anabolic‑Androgenic Steroids?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anabolic | Promote cell growth & protein synthesis (e.g., muscle mass). |
| Androgenic | Induce male sex characteristics (e.g., facial hair, deepening voice). |
Key points
- Synthetic derivatives of testosterone.
- Commonly prescribed for conditions such as delayed puberty, hypogonadism, and certain anemias.
- Widely abused in sports & bodybuilding to increase strength, endurance, and lean mass.
2. Medical Indications
| Condition | Typical Steroid Used | Dosage Range |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed puberty | Testosterone enanthate | 50–100 mg IM every 4–6 weeks |
| Hypogonadism | Testosterone cypionate | 200–400 mg IM monthly |
| Anemia (non‑iron) | DHEA | 25–75 mg orally daily |
> Note: Dosages above are approximate; individual therapy requires endocrinology supervision.
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3. Common Side Effects
- Androgenic: Acne, hirsutism, male pattern baldness
- Metabolic: Hyperlipidemia (↑LDL), insulin resistance
- Cardiovascular: Elevated blood pressure, potential increased thrombosis risk
- Reproductive: Suppressed LH/FSH → decreased spermatogenesis
4. Contraindications & Precautions
| Condition | Reason |
|---|---|
| History of breast or prostate cancer | Potential tumor stimulation |
| Uncontrolled hypertension | Further BP elevation |
| Known cardiovascular disease | Added thrombotic risk |
| Thrombophilia (e.g., Factor V Leiden) | Enhanced clotting propensity |
| Pregnancy / breastfeeding | Hormonal effects on fetus/infant |
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5. Monitoring Plan
- Baseline labs: CBC, CMP, lipid panel, fasting glucose.
- Blood pressure: Every visit; home BP monitoring recommended.
- Semen analysis: Prior to initiation and after 3–6 months if fertility is a concern.
- Adverse effects: Inquire about headaches, dizziness, mood changes, visual disturbances.
6. Patient Counseling
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Hormonal Effects | Exogenous testosterone can alter libido, erectile function; may impact sperm production. |
| Fertility Risks | Long‑term therapy can suppress spermatogenesis; consider assisted reproductive techniques if needed. |
| Cardiovascular Monitoring | Discuss potential risks and the importance of regular check‑ups. |
| Lifestyle Factors | Emphasize healthy diet, exercise, limiting alcohol, smoking cessation to mitigate cardiovascular risk. |
| Follow‑Up Schedule | 1–2 weeks after initiation for side‑effects; every 3–6 months thereafter. |
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4. Summary & Practical Take‑Aways
| Question | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Which drug? | Testosterone enanthate or cypionate – same dose, 250 mg IM bi‑weekly is typical. |
| How to start? | Baseline labs + history → 250 mg IM every 2 weeks for 4–6 weeks; monitor testosterone levels and symptoms. |
| When to stop? | Stop after 8–12 weeks if no benefit or side‑effects, or sooner with adverse events (e.g., worsening anemia, thrombosis). |
| How to decide? | Symptom relief > lab changes; consider patient preference, https://platform.giftedsoulsent.com/ cost, monitoring feasibility. |
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Bottom line
Use a standard bi‑weekly IM injection of 250 mg testosterone enanthate/decanoate for 4–6 weeks as an initial trial.
If the patient feels better and testosterone levels are adequate, continue until 8–12 weeks; otherwise discontinue early if no benefit or side‑effects occur.
Monitor CBC, hematocrit, ferritin, and clinical signs throughout.
Feel free to let me know if you’d like a more detailed dosing schedule, monitoring plan, or patient education materials!
