Liver and Kidney Functions

Elevated levels of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases: Anabolic steroids can raise levels of these enzymes in your blood. High levels indicate liver stress or damage.

Impact on liver function tests and potential liver damage: Steroid use can lead to abnormal liver function test results. Over time, this can cause liver damage. Symptoms include jaundice and liver tumors.

Changes in kidney function and potential for kidney damage: Your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Steroids can reduce their efficiency. This can lead to kidney damage or failure. Signs include swelling, fatigue, and changes in urine.

Cardiovascular System

Conflicting evidence on cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels: Research shows mixed results. Some studies suggest steroids can lower good cholesterol (HDL) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Other studies find no significant changes.

Increased risk of heart attack and stroke: Steroid use can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This is partly due to changes in cholesterol levels, but other factors like increased blood pressure also play a role.

Effects on blood pressure: Steroids can cause high blood pressure. This adds extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding these impacts is essential for anyone considering anabolic steroid use. Always consult healthcare professionals and consider the potential risks to your liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

What Hematological Parameters are Affected by Steroid Use?

Anabolic steroids can impact your hematological parameters, though data are limited. Hematological parameters refer to elements of your blood, including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.

Limited data available on hematological changes: Research on how steroids affect blood parameters is sparse. Many studies focus on biochemical and cardiovascular impacts, leaving gaps in our understanding of hematological effects.

Possible effects on red and white blood cell counts:

• Red blood cells (RBCs): Steroids can increase RBC production, potentially leading to polycythemia—a condition where your blood becomes too thick. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and an increased risk of blood clots.
• White blood cells (WBCs): Steroids may suppress immune function, lowering WBC counts. This can make you more susceptible to infections and slow down recovery from illnesses.

Impact on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels:

• Hemoglobin: Steroids can elevate hemoglobin levels, the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. While more oxygen might seem beneficial, high hemoglobin can thicken blood, posing similar risks to increased RBC counts.
• Hematocrit: This measures the proportion of RBCs in your blood. Elevated hematocrit levels can indicate polycythemia. High levels can strain your heart and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular issues.

Potential for blood clotting issues:
Steroids can affect clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of abnormal clot formation. This can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of DVT include swelling and pain in the leg, while PE symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain.

Understanding these hematological effects is crucial for anyone using or considering anabolic steroids. Always consult a healthcare provider to monitor and manage these risks.

What Neurotransmitters Do Anabolic Steroids Affect?

Anabolic steroids don't just impact your body's physical state; they also affect your brain's neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across nerve cells, playing a crucial role in mood regulation, cognition, and overall brain function.

Effects on neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin:

• Norepinephrine: This neurotransmitter is linked to your body's "fight or flight" response. Steroid use may increase norepinephrine levels, leading to heightened stress and anxiety.
• Dopamine: Known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, dopamine affects pleasure and reward mechanisms in the brain. Steroids can disrupt dopamine balance, potentially leading to addictive behaviors and mood swings.
• Serotonin: This neurotransmitter regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Steroids may reduce serotonin levels, increasing the risk of depression and irritability.

Neural hyperstimulation and its consequences:

• Overstimulation: Anabolic steroids can cause neural hyperstimulation, where nerve cells become overly active. This can lead to symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, and heightened aggression.
• Long-term effects: Prolonged neural hyperstimulation may result in chronic stress and anxiety disorders.

Reduction in neuronal density in the brain:

• Brain structure: Studies suggest that steroid use can reduce neuronal density in certain brain regions. This means fewer nerve cells, which can impair cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making.
• Potential reversibility: Some research indicates that stopping steroid use might reverse these changes, but the extent of recovery varies.

Potential for psychiatric issues like depression and aggression:

• Depression: Lower serotonin and dopamine levels can lead to depressive symptoms. Users may experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite or sleep.
• Aggression: Elevated norepinephrine levels can contribute to increased aggression and irritability. This is sometimes referred to as "roid rage," a term describing the aggressive behaviors some users exhibit.

Understanding these neurological impacts is vital for anyone considering anabolic steroids. Neurotransmitter imbalances can have far-reaching effects on your mental health and overall well-being. Always seek professional advice to weigh the risks and benefits.

What Labs Do Steroids Affect?

When you use anabolic steroids, several key lab tests can show changes. These changes can indicate how steroids affect various body systems. Knowing which lab tests steroids affect helps you monitor your health more effectively.

Elevated glucose levels:

• Blood sugar: Steroid use can raise your blood sugar levels. This happens because steroids can make your body less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar. Elevated glucose levels may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Insulin resistance: With prolonged use, your body's cells might not respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels over time.

Decreased HDL and increased LDL levels:

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good cholesterol," HDL helps remove bad cholesterol from your bloodstream. Steroids can decrease HDL levels, reducing this protective effect.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "bad cholesterol," high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Steroid use can raise LDL levels, thereby heightening cardiovascular risks.

Abnormal liver function tests:

• Liver enzymes: Steroids can elevate liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). High levels of these enzymes can indicate liver damage or stress.
• Liver damage: Long-term steroid use can lead to conditions such as liver tumors or hepatitis. Regular liver function tests can help catch these issues early.

Potential indicators of kidney damage:

• Creatinine levels: Elevated creatinine can signal that your kidneys are not working correctly. Steroids can increase creatinine levels, indicating potential kidney stress or damage.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): This test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. High BUN levels can be a sign of kidney problems, which steroid use can exacerbate.

Understanding these lab changes can alert you to the biomarkers negatively affected by anabolic steroid use. Regular monitoring through lab tests is crucial to identify and address any health issues early.

Hormonal Biomarkers Affected

Anabolic steroids can significantly alter your body's hormonal balance. These changes can have various effects on both short-term health and long-term well-being. Understanding these hormonal biomarkers helps you better grasp the full impact of steroid use.

Decreased testosterone:

• Suppression of natural production: When you take anabolic steroids, your body reduces its natural testosterone production. This happens because steroids mimic testosterone, and your body tries to balance out by making less of its own.
• Effects: Lower natural testosterone can lead to issues like reduced sperm production, lower libido, and even mood changes.

Estradiol out of Reference Range:

• Increased estradiol levels: Steroids can convert to estradiol, a form of estrogen, in the body. Higher estradiol levels can cause unwanted side effects like gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men).
• Managing estradiol: Monitoring estradiol levels helps in managing these side effects. Adjustments in steroid use or additional medication may be required to keep estradiol within a healthy range.

Decreased luteinizing hormone (LH):

• Role of LH: Luteinizing hormone stimulates testosterone production in men. When you use steroids, LH levels drop, further reducing natural testosterone production.
• Impact: Low LH can lead to testicular atrophy, where the testes shrink and reduce their function over time.

Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH):

• Role of FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone helps regulate the function of the testes and sperm production. Steroid use can decrease FSH levels, contributing to infertility issues.
• Effect: Lowered FSH levels can result in fewer sperm and reduced fertility, which can be a significant concern for those looking to start a family.

Other changes

Elevated creatine kinase (CK):

• Exercise impact: Intense exercise while on steroids can raise creatine kinase levels. CK is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle, and high levels can indicate muscle damage.
• Monitoring: Regular CK level checks can help assess muscle health, especially if you engage in heavy lifting or intense physical activity.

Potentially elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men:

• PSA levels: Steroid use can raise PSA levels, which are markers used to screen for prostate health issues, including cancer.
• Prostate health: Keeping an eye on PSA levels is crucial for early detection of potential problems, particularly for men who use steroids over long periods.

Alterations in electrolyte balance: Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium are essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, and hydration. Anabolic steroids can disrupt electrolyte levels, causing imbalances. These changes can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and even more severe issues like irregular heartbeats.

What Blood Tests Are Done for Steroids?

Blood tests help you understand how anabolic steroids are affecting your body. These tests check various biomarkers to give a detailed view of your health.

Comprehensive Steroid Panel

A comprehensive steroid panel is a detailed blood test that examines several key factors:

1. Identifying major adrenal steroid hormones: This test measures hormones like cortisol and testosterone, produced by your adrenal glands. These hormones play a vital role in stress response, metabolism, and overall energy levels. Abnormal levels can indicate how steroids are affecting your adrenal function.
2. Diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a genetic disorder affecting hormone production in the adrenal glands. A steroid panel can help diagnose CAH by checking for abnormal levels of adrenal hormones. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing this condition effectively.
3. LCMSMS assay specifics: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS) is a technique used in steroid panels. LCMSMS offers precise measurement of hormone levels in your blood. It separates and identifies different steroids, providing accurate results. This method is highly reliable for detecting even the smallest changes in hormone levels.

How to Interpret Lab Values from Steroids Blood Test

Interpreting lab values from a steroids blood test helps you understand the impact of steroids on your body. Here’s how you can make sense of these values:

Reference ranges: Each lab provides reference ranges for normal values. Compare your results with these ranges to see if your levels are within the normal limits.

High or low values: Elevated or reduced levels of certain markers can indicate specific health issues. For example, high liver enzymes (ALT, AST) suggest liver stress or damage, while low HDL levels point to increased heart disease risk.

Trends over time: Monitoring changes in your lab values over time gives a better picture of how steroids are affecting you. Regular testing can help catch issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. See here for recommended frequency of testing.

Consulting healthcare professionals: Always discuss your lab results with a healthcare provider. They can interpret complex data, provide medical advice, and recommend further tests if needed.

Why Monitoring Biomarkers Is Important

Monitoring biomarkers when using anabolic steroids is crucial for several reasons. Keeping an eye on these markers helps you maintain your health and avoid serious complications.

Early Detection of Potential Health Issues

1. Spotting problems early: Regular blood tests can reveal changes in your health before symptoms appear. For instance, a rise in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) might indicate liver stress. Early detection allows you to take action before the problem worsens.
2. Identifying hidden issues: Some health problems, like kidney damage, don't show clear symptoms until they're advanced. Monitoring biomarkers like serum creatinine and urea levels can uncover these hidden issues.

Preventing Long-Term Organ Damage

1. Protecting vital organs: Anabolic steroids can strain organs such as the liver and kidneys. By tracking biomarkers, you can identify early signs of damage and take steps to protect these vital organs.
2. Reducing risk of chronic diseases: Changes in lipid profiles (HDL, LDL) can increase the risk of heart disease. Keeping these levels in check prevents long-term cardiovascular problems.

TeleTest offers a comprehensive panel of lab testing to monitor vital health markers such as liver enzymes, cholesterol levels, and hormone balances, enabling early detection and intervention for adverse conditions like liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and endocrine disruptions.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.