- Related Diseases
- Images & Quizzes
- Index
- Impotence Slideshow Pictures
- Sex-Drive Killers Slideshow: Causes of Low Libido
- Take the Low Testosterone Quiz
- What are oral anabolic steroids, and how do they work?
- What are the uses for these drugs?
- Are these drugs abused?
- What are the side effects of oral anabolic steroids?
- What drugs interactions occur with this class of drugs?
- List of generic and brand names available for oral anabolic steroids available in the US
- What formulations are available?
- Is it safe to take these drugs if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding my baby?
What are oral anabolic steroids, and how do they work?
Anabolic steroids are orally-ingested, synthetic (man-made) drugs that act like testosterone. They cause growth and development of male sexual organs, secondary sex characteristics, and increases in muscle size and strength.
What are the uses for these drugs?
name="uses">What are the uses for these drugs?
This class of drugs are used for the treatment of:
- Delayed puberty in boys
- Anemia
- Low muscle mass due to AIDs or HIV
- Breast cancer
They also are used for replacing testosterone in men with low testosterone levels.
Quick GuideEnlarged Prostate (BPH) Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Are these drugs abused?
Anabolic steroids often are abused by athletes for increasing muscle mass and performance. Non-athletes and non-competitive body builders also abuse anabolic steroids for cosmetic reasons.
What are the side effects of oral anabolic steroids?
name="what_are_the_side_effects_of_oral_anabolic_steroids">What are the side effects of oral anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids have many side effects because testosterone, which they mimic, has many effects in the body. The long list if side effects include:
- Shrinking of testicles
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
- Low sperm count
- Increased hair growth
- Deeper voice and reduced breast size in women
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- Rage
- Violence
- Aggression
Liver disease and liver cancer also can occur.
What drugs interactions occur with this class of drugs?
name="what_drugs_interact_with_oral_anabolic_steroids">What drugs interactions occur with this class of drugs?
- Anabolic steroids increase blood levels and effects of cyclosporine by decreasing the breakdown of cyclosporine.
- They reduce the breakdown of warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), increasing blood levels of warfarin and the risk of bleeding from warfarin.
List of generic and brand names available for oral anabolic steroids available in the US
Examples of anabolic steroids available in the use are:
- oxymetholone (Anadrol-50)
- fluoxymesterone (Android-F, Halotestin, and Ora-Testryl brand names are discontinued).
Quick GuideEnlarged Prostate (BPH) Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Is it safe to take these drugs if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding my baby?
- No, they are not safe to take if you are pregnant or nursing your baby. The FDA classifies anabolic steroids in pregnancy as category X, which means that they are harmful to the fetus and should not be used during pregnancy.
- Doctors and researchers don't know if this type of drug is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, you shouldn't take these drugs if you are breastfeeding, and if you are taking them you should stop due to the risk of serious adverse effects in the infant.
REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.
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- Anabolic Steroids (Oral Androgens) Related Diseases
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Complete List
Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include
- fatigue,
- malaise,
- hair loss,
- palpitations,
- menstruation, and
- medications.
Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
Breast Cancer (Facts, Stages)
Breast cancer is an invasive tumor that develops in the mammary gland. Breast cancer is detected via mammograms, breast self-examination (BSE), biopsy, and specialized testing on breast cancer tissue. Treatment of breast cancer may involve surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Breast cancer risk may be lowered by managing controllable risk factors.
Breast Cancer Slides
Learn about breast cancer causes, symptoms, tests, recovery, and prevention. Discover the types of treatments such as surgery and drug therapies as well as the survival rate for breast cancer.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, an enlargement of the gland tissue in the male breast is the caused by an imbalance of hormones. Certain medical conditions may also lead to gynecomastia such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, disorders of the male sex organs, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and medications. Gynecomastia is generally treated with medication, and if necessary, surgery.
HIV/AIDS Myths Slides
What is HIV AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)? Discover myths and facts about living with HIV/AIDS. Learn about HIV/AIDS treatment options, symptoms, and diagnosis.
HIV/AIDS Quiz
Now, more than ever, you should know about HIV/AIDS, especially its causes, symptoms treatments, and complications. Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz now!
HIV/AIDS Picture
Acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). See a picture of HIV/AIDS and learn more about the health topic.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes HIV infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Symptoms and signs of HIV infection include fatigue, enlarged lymph glands, and recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV infection.
Low Testosterone (Low T)
Low testosterone (low-T) can be caused by conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver or kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain infections, and hypogonadism. Signs and symptoms that a person may have low-T include:
- Insomnia
- Increased body fat
- Weight gain
- Reduced muscle
- Infertility
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression
- Worsening of congestive heart failure or sleep apnea.
Low-T can be treated with testosterone therapy in the form of gels, injections, pellets, or skin patches. Side effects of testosterone treatment include:
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Change in libido
Low Testosterone
What causes low testosterone (low T)? Learn about low testosterone symptoms in men. Discover low testosterone treatment and the signs of low testosterone.
Low Testosterone Quiz
What are symptoms of low testosterone (low T)? Take this quiz to learn more about causes of low testosterone and how to treat it.
Men's Screening Tests
Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health. Learn at what age men should be screened for prostate cancer, high blood pressure, cholesterol and other health risks.
Obesity (Weight Loss)
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20% over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.
Osteoporosis
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Puberty
The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
Steroid Withdrawal
Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat asthma, allergic reactions, RA, and IBD. Steroids such as these do have serious drawbacks such as steroid withdrawal symptoms such as: fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Speak with your health care provider prior to tapering off steroid medications.
Teen Drug Abuse
Drugs commonly abused by teens include tobacco products, marijuana, cold medications, inhalants, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens, PCP, ketamine, Ecstasy, and anabolic steroids. Some of the symptoms and warning signs of teen drug abuse include reddened whites of eyes, paranoia, sleepiness, excessive happiness, seizures, memory loss, increased appetite, discolored fingertips, lips or teeth, and irritability. Treatment of drug addiction may involve a combination of medication, individual, and familial interventions.
