Anabolic Steroid Toxicity

Abuse of androgenic anabolic steroids involves the use of testosterone-containing medications to improve physical performance, increase muscle size, and gain muscle mass. For these purposes, anabolic steroids are often used at doses 10 to 100 times higher than normal therapeutic levels.

In some cases, athletes follow specific dosing schedules in an attempt to avoid detection during competitions. These preparations are also frequently combined with other medications intended to mask unwanted side effects.

Treatment of anabolic steroid toxicity primarily focuses on managing the complications caused by steroid use. One of the most serious complications is sudden death.

Suspicion of anabolic steroid abuse may arise when an athlete uses large amounts of dietary supplements or experiences extremely rapid weight gain, for example, gaining more than 25 kg within 3-6 months.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology