Steroids

How does the body naturally produce steroid hormones?

by modifying cholesterol

Estradiol

a testosterone derivative, active at the estrogen receptor. has “feminizing” effects

Testosterone

activates androgen receptors which alters gene expression

Anabolic

muscle building (increased lean muscle mass, increased muscle strength)- effects greatest in young boys and women

Andregenic

masculinizing (development of male sex organs, male characteristics- deep voice, hair development, thick skin, etc. bone growth, libido)

Two categories of testosterone effects

anabolic and androgenic

Synthetic Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs)

testosterone derivatives used to increased anabolic effects and decrease androgenic effects

Synthetic Anabolic Androgenic Steroids effects

roid rage (impacts the brain and created negative psychological effects), jaundice (negative effects on the liver), heart disease (inducesn a cholesterol imbalance) reproductive issues (decreases libido or GnRH and causes infertility), feminizing effects (some AASs are converted into estrogen derivatives), and cosmetic effects (acne, hirsutism, male-patterned baldness)

Methandrostenolone

an oral SSA

nandrolone

an IM SSA

Stanozolol

an oral SSA

Human growth hormone (hGH)

a protein produced by the pituitary gland that enhances growth independent of exercise

Creatine

amino acid derivative that is converted into creatine phsophate, an important molecule for energy storage in muscle (ATP)

ATP

energy molecule

L-Arginine

amino acid that can increase blood flow to muscles by widening blood vessels

Erythropoietin (EPO)

hormone secreted by the kidney that increases red blood cells for oxygen. it is used for anemia due to kidney failure, AIDS, cancer, blood loss. also abused to increase muscle oxygen supply to delay fatigue