anabolic steroids and HDL
Last reviewed 10/2023
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and abnormal plasma lipoproteins
- AAS abuse in athletes increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by >20% and decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels by 20% to 70% (1,2)
- HDL decline seen particularly with use of nonaromatizable androgens - significant
decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with nonaromatizable androgens
like stanozolol
- decline is significantly less with use of aromatizable androgens such
as testosterone (3)
- decline is significantly less with use of aromatizable androgens such
as testosterone (3)
- steroid hormones alter serum lipoprotein levels via the lipolytic degradation
of lipoproteins and their removal by receptors through modification of apolipoprotein
A-I and B synthesis
- estimated that these lipoprotein abnormalities increase the risk for coronary
artery disease by three- to sixfold
- onset and reversibility of lipid abmormalities associated with AAS use
- abnormalities of HDL and LDL may arise within 9 weeks of AAS self-administration
- lipid effects seem to be reversible and may normalize 5 months after discontinuation
- abnormalities of HDL and LDL may arise within 9 weeks of AAS self-administration
Reference:
- Sader MA et al. Androgenic anabolic steroids and arterial structure and function in male bodybuilders. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37:224-30.
- Achar S et al. Cardiac and Metabolic Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse on Lipids, Blood Pressure, Left Ventricular Dimensions, and Rhythm. Am J Cardiol. 2010 Sep 15; 106(6): 893-901.
- Basaria S.Androgen abuse in athletes: detection and consequences. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Apr;95(4):1533-43