Anabolic steroid complications

Background

• Anabolic steroids are used for both recreational purposes as well as competitive purposes for those in various sports

Clinical Features

• Adverse effects can vary depending on the specific anabolic steroid
  • Oral agents can cause hepatotoxicity
• Testosterone is generally utilized as the primary anabolic steroid and combined with various other anabolic agents such as trenbolone, oxandrolone, oxymetholone, metandienone, and many others

Adverse Effects

• Hypogonadism (occurs after discontinuation)
• Hepatotoxicity (primarily with oral agents)
• Renal toxicity, most commonly with trenbolone
• Acne
• Hair loss
• Dyslipidemia
• Left ventricular hypertrophy
• Polycythemia

Diagnostic Tests

• CBC
• LFTs
• Creatinine
• A1C
• Lipid panel
• ECG
• Outpatient echocardiogram to assess for left ventricular hypertrophy