GLOSSARY

Anabolic steroids, or anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), are synthetic compounds similar to testosterone, designed to increase the anabolic (muscle-building) effect relative to the androgenic (masculinising) effect; in practice, none fully separates these two effects. Examples include nandrolone, stanozolol, methandienone and oxandrolone.

Mechanism

These compounds bind to the androgen receptor in muscle and increase protein synthesis, the number of myonuclei and hypertrophy. They also reduce protein breakdown and improve recovery. Doses used in doping are often 10–100 times therapeutic doses.

Medical Use

Hypogonadism, muscle wasting in chronic disease (such as HIV and severe burns) and some types of anaemia; their clinical use today is limited.

Side Effects