Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Effects

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone used to enhance muscle mass and athletic performance, but they pose significant health risks. These steroids affect nearly all bodily functions due to the widespread presence of androgen receptors. Their adverse effects include muscular hypertrophy, including cardiac muscle, premature epiphyseal closure, liver diseases, masculinization in females, feminization in males, and reduced sperm quality. The study concludes that AAS use is a major public health issue, and it is crucial to educate patients on these risks to help them make informed decisions about their use.