Karla Macfarlane
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About
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, 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!
