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Steroids and Reproduction

Steroids should only be taken under close supervision of a doctor. The information provided here should not be taken as medical advice.

Due to ASS being derivatives of testosterone they have a direct effect on the reproductive system. The reproductive system and fertility is therefore a big concern for both athletes and recreational users of ASS. They will suppress the hypo-thalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which acts as a feedback system (Hartgens and Kuipers (2004). This in turn decreases levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormones, which leads to decreased endogenous testosterone production, decreased spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy (Marvelias et al. (2005).

A case report in which a 26 year old bodybuilder developed borderline personality disorder after 10 months of steroid use also highlights the possible reproductive implications of ASS. Upon testing he showed extremely low levels of serum testosterone with values returning to normal after 10 months of drug cessation. The semen was azoospermic at the beginning of the study period, oligospermic five months later, and reached 20x106 sperm per ml 10 months after the steroid discontinuation (Boyadjiev et al. (2000). Although psychiatric effects were not attributed to ASS, this case study emphasizes the damaging effects ASS can have on fertility.

Furthermore, Torres-Calleja et al. (2001) found that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was reduced in subjects on steroids (1.5 ± 3.2 vs. 5.0 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) as was Prolactin (PRL) (5.1 ± 4.9 vs. 9.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.01). The subjects average sperm concentration was also significantly lower in the steroid group compared to control (46.1±96 vs.67.9±48.3, P< 0.005). However it is worth noting that although it’s still significantly different, the mean number of spermatozoa was still within normal ranges. They also did not find any difference in LH, T, E2, and DHEA levels.

Reproduction

Figure 6: Sperm characteristics and hormonal concentrations in subjects with (Group II) and without (Group I) AAS intake. (Source: Torres-Calleja et al.,2001, p1773)

The evidence shows that semen quality in men declines through ASS use. Bonetti et.,al (2008) found a significant decrease in both spermatozoa count (P< 0.01), and fertility index (P < 0.01) occurred after high doses of ASS for a period of two years. Also recovery of fertility can take from several months up to approximately 1 year after cessation of administration, depending on the extent of abuse (Kicman, 2008). Although in men, impotence often can occur after cessation of a steroid cycle (Kicman and Gower (2003). In addition, the influence that ASS has on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal access through testicular apoptosis can also significantly affect male fertility. A study by Shokri et al., (2010) studied the effects of nandralone decanoate on rat fertility. They found that Exercise training seems to increase the extent of apoptotic changes caused by supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate , which in turn will affect fertility.

Fertility is therefore an issue for all users’ not just athletes. Athletes may argue that they have no time for a family whilst still competing and since the effects are known to be reversed through time they are willing to take the risk. However the long term affect of ASS on fertility are still vague and warrants further investigation while athletes should still be made aware of the risk.

In females masculinisation occurs, leading to menstrual irregularities, clitoral enlargement, and hirsutism, deepening of voice, oily skin and breast atrophy (Kam and Yarrow (2005).

End of steroids and reproduction