Disorder of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis induced by abusing of anabolic-androgenic steroids for short time: A case report

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functionality on a bodybuilding competitioner before, during and after the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids. A young healthy man was followed up for 4 months. The subject reported his drug administration protocol through periodic interviews and performed laboratory tests to monitor the function of his hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Time 1 (before the steroids use) shows all hormones levels (follicle-stimulating hormone = 4,2 mUI/ml, luteinising hormone = 3,7 mUI/ml and total testosterone = 5,7 ng/ml) within reference values. In Time 2, after 8 weeks on steroids abuse, a complete hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis derangement is evident with noticeable negative feedback (follicle-stimulating hormone = 1,47 mUI/ml, luteinising hormone = 0,1 mUI/ml and total testosterone = 1,47 ng/ml). At the third moment (40 days after Time 2), we can see a tendency to recovery, however, the serum levels of the investigated hormones were still considerably lower than the baseline values. At the end, we could conclude that the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, at supraphysiological dosages, even for a short time (8 weeks), causes severe disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The endogenous testosterone synthesis was severely compromised by important decline in serum luteinising hormone levels.

Anabolic steroids and their effects of on neuronal density in cortical areas and hippocampus of mice

“…Another study reveals that use of androgenic anabolic steroids, at supra-physiological doses, even for a short period, caused severe disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of a bodybuilder. Endogenous testosterone synthesis was severely compromised with a significant decline in serum luteinizing hormone levels (Vilar Neto et al, 2018). The decrease of this hormone may be one of the causes that leads to the reduction of neuronal density in the measured areas since a smaller amount of this hormone can promote deficiency in neurons receptors and consequent alteration in neural connectivity.…”

Oxandrolone Use Causes Dyslipidemia in Resistance-Training Practitioners

“…For the OG, these timepoints were: T1, before drug use; T2, after OX use (mean of 7.4 SD 2.2 weeks); and T3, three months after use, as previously indicated [78]. Samples from the CG were collected at T1 in the same week as the OG, and T2 was collected eight weeks later, according to previous studies [79,80]. The collection of CG T3 occurred three months after T2.…”