title: Anabolic-androgenic steroids and related substances.
abstract: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Anabolic steroids are used to enhance athletic performance and appearance. Adverse effects include those on the liver, serum lipids, psyche/behavior, and the reproductive system. Androstenedione is an anabolic-androgenic steroid used to increase blood testosterone levels for the purposes of increasing strength, lean body mass, and sexual performance. However, there is no research indicating androstenedione or its related compounds, significantly increases strength and/or lean body mass by increasing testosterone levels. The long-term health effects of prolonged androstenedione supplementation are unknown. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a weak androgen also used to elevate testosterone levels. DHEA is also advertised as an antiobesity and antiaging supplement capable of improving libido, vitality, and immunity levels. However, research demonstrates that DHEA supplementation does not increase serum testosterone concentrations or increase strength in men, and it may have virilizing effects on women.
authors.affiliation: Pennsylvania State University, 114 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. cey2@psu.edu
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Yesalis
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bahrke
mesh_terms: D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D013177:Sports; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone