Benefits of anabolic steroids still outweigh potential risks
According to a study conducted by the San Francisco VA Medical Center research team, anabolic steroids are beneficial to patients with muscle wasting conditions. It was shown that steroids could actually increase muscle mass and even fat in men with muscle wasting related to HIV infection.
In a study that the team conducted, Oxandrolone and placebo were randomly given to HIV-positive men. The doses were variously administered in 20, 40 and 80 mg. The treatment continued for a total of 24 weeks.
During the first 12 weeks, it was noted that LDL, the bad cholesterol, significantly increased. On the other hand, the HDL, or the good cholesterol, drastically decreased. These results according to the head investigator, Carl Grunfeld, MD, chief of metabolism and endocrine sections of the said medical center, can result to a greater risk for heart attack.
According to Grunfeld, a dose as low as 20 mg can increase heart attack risk to almost 58%, while doubling the dose could also increase the risk to two-fold.
Meanwhile liver toxicity levels were noted to be at the grade III or IV levels. Patients with this much liver toxicity must discontinue use of anabolic steroids.
However, among patients with severe muscle wasting, anabolic steroids given in low doses could still prove beneficial than not administering the steroids at all.
According to Eurekalert:
Toxic effects seen after only 12 weeks – could harm athletes who take steroids for performance
Anabolic steroid use causes decreased levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol, increased levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and serious liver toxicity within 12 weeks, according to a study that measured the effects of anabolic steroids on men with HIV wasting disease.
