synthetic steroids with high anabolic effect : androgen effect ratio (testosterone is 1:1)
most are 17-alkyl-substituted steroids & thus risk hepatic dysfunction
examples:
ethylestrenol (4-8:1)
oxandrolone (3-13:1)
nandrolone phenpropionate (3-6:1)
nandrolone decanoate (2.5-4:1)
stanozolol (3-6:1)
athletes & anabolic abuse:
many athletes & their coaches believe that use of anabolic steroids at doses 10-200 x normal increases strength & aggressiveness
although such effects have been demonstrated in women, it is not clear cut in men
Australian drug data shows that in the seven years to 2022-23, there was an almost 40% increase in the rate of Australians who reported ever using steroids.1)
while steroids don't cause physical dependence, the confidence boost they provide can be psychologically addictive
withdrawal symptoms can include severe fatigue, muscle and bone density loss and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.
users often “cycle” doses — using for a period before taking a break to recover in an effort to manage risks
many “blast and cruise” — switching between high and low doses without a full break.
adverse effects of such doses makes use very undesirable: