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Anabolic steroids in postmenopausal osteoporosis
A G Need1, T C Durbridge, B E Nordin
1Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Anabolic steroids significantly increase bone mass in osteoporosis patients, showing a 3% annual gain likely by stimulating bone formation. Side effects include voice changes with injection and potential liver issues with oral use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anabolic steroids, developed in the 1950s, offer androgenic benefits with reduced androgenic effects.
- Their use in osteoporosis treatment is supported by recent bone densitometry evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of anabolic steroids in increasing bone mass in osteoporotic individuals.
- To understand the mechanisms and side effects associated with anabolic steroid therapy for osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Administration of anabolic steroids to osteoporotic men and women.
- Monitoring bone mass changes using bone densitometry.
- Assessing associated physiological changes like serum albumin and fat-free skinfold thickness.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in bone mass observed in both men and women with osteoporosis.
- Bone gain averages approximately 3% per annum, with maximal effects seen early in treatment.
- Associated with elevated serum albumin and fat-free skinfold thickness, suggesting fat-to-muscle conversion.
Conclusions:
- Anabolic steroids effectively increase bone mass in osteoporotic patients, likely through enhanced bone formation.
- Parenteral administration can cause voice pitch lowering, while oral forms may impact liver function.
- Optimal dosage and treatment duration require further investigation.