Effects of Anabolic Steroids, Testosterone, and HGH on Blood Lipids and Echocardiography Parameters in Body Builders

Abstract

To evaluate the metabolic or cardiovascular effects induced by self-administration of human growth hormone (HGH) alone or combined with testosterone and anabolic steroids, we conducted a study with 15 male body builders. Of these, 8 (control group) did not take any hormonal substances; 6 (experimental group) self-administered testosterone, anabolic steroids, and HGH for 6 weeks in various dosages; 1 subject self-administered only HGH for an equal period of time. At the end of the period of treatment with the hormonal combination, the experimental group continued for 2 additional weeks with anabolic steroids and testosterone only. All maintained the same, un-alterated type and intensity of training, and constant diet. Before the beginning of treatment with hormonal substances, after 6 weeks, and at the end of treatment (for a total of 8 weeks), they were tested for total and HDL-cholesterol (t-chol and HDL-chol), apolipoproteins A-1 and B (apo A-1 and B), and triglycerides (tg). Before the start and after 6 weeks, an echocardiographic examination was performed to assess left ventricular dimensions and function in all 15 body builders. The most interesting result is a significant decrease of HDL-chol and apo A-1 derived from self-administration of anabolic steroids and HGH together.

Key words

Anabolic steroids - HGH - lipid metabolism - echocardiographic parameters - body builders