Anabolic Steroids in a Contest Preparation of the Top World-Class Bodybuilder

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess adverse effects of self-administration of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) by a world-class bodybuilder. Study Design: It is an overt observational research performed on a top-class bodybuilder before, between, and after world-class competitions. Methodology: We monitored: (1) cardiovascular health using total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, creatine phosphokinase concentration, and total fat tissue percentage; (2) hepatic health using aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin, and serum albumin levels; (3) renal health using urea and serum creatinine concentrations, (4) health of a musculoskeletal apparatus using concentration of lactate dehydrogenase and an average bone mineral density of both Trochanters. Results: The results of this study did not confirm the earlier reports indicating possible detrimental influence of AAS on hepatic and cardiovascular health. Conclusions: When ruminating on the results of this study one has to take into consideration the fact that the subject has been continuously self-administering AAS for the last 16 years. From this perspective the observed detrimental changes are not as severe as suggested previously. Health related changes outlined in this study should also be contemplated form an objective and a subjective point of view. Objectively, we have to admit that use/abuse AAS may increase a risk of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. Form a subjective point of view, administration of AAS not only increases self confidence but also, in the case of competitive bodybuilding, has a clear financial weight.