Side effects of anabolic steroids and contraindications

The endocrine side effects are mainly androgenic and concern particularly but not exclusively females and children. Depending on individual sensitivity, the dosage used and the androgenicity of the drug concerned, signs of virilization ranging from slight voice disturbances to severe derangement of reproduction can develop, the latter occurring in both sexes. Progestational effects are of little importance. Hepatic alterations are caused almost exclusively by 17 alpha-alkylated steroids and can range from abnormal liver function tests to life-threatening liver tumours. Atherogenic changes in the lipid-lipoprotein balance, again a domain of the 17 alpha-alkylated preparations, might increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The metabolic influences of anabolic compounds can--at excessive dosage levels--create a prediabetic condition and polycythaemia. The influence of anabolic agents on psyche and behavior in normal doses are mostly positive, rendering the drugs useful for adjuvant therapy in patients whose general condition is poor, irrespective of the origin. If given in excessive doses they can cause grave psychic and behavioral disturbances and possibly dependence. Anabolic-androgenic steroids should be used with caution in patients who are particularly sensitive to side effects, where fluid retention must be prevented, in subjects with liver diseases, skeletal metastases of mammary carcinoma, and when longitudinal growth is not completed. They are contraindicated in carcinoma of the prostate and mammary carcinoma in the male and their use should be discouraged in pregnancy and during lactation.