Further, safety is rarely considered until a problem occurs. Pharmacology is the study of the factors involved with how a drug enters and works in the body, the various ways the cells and systems regulate the processes affected and how the body clears the drug. Despite the fact that AAS are based upon an endogenous hormone (testosterone) and have been utilized as a pharmaceutical product for over 60 years, the complete pharmacology of AAS remains undetermined, even though a significant number of men suffer from symptoms of androgen deficiency, with associated health consequences including cardiovascular disease and earlier mortality. 2-4
Fortunately, there is a substantial body of published research in the field, nicely reviewed by Dr. Andrew Kicman of the Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring at King's College London (England) in the British Journal of Pharmacology. While the collective knowledge in the field of AAS is incomplete (as it is with every other drug, such being the nature of science), it is sufficient to develop a working understanding of AAS and suggest potential research to improve safety and efficacy. Kicman's review is organized in excellent fashion and comprehensively referenced. Those truly interested in learning about AAS would be well served to read the review.
AAS contain or are derivatives of the natural male sex hormone, testosterone. Knowing this, it is not surprising that AAS affect a myriad of tissues that respond to testosterone, including: reproductive tissues, muscle, bone, hair follicles, liver, kidneys, brain, white and red blood cells. These effects are usually divided into androgenic (referring to masculinization) and anabolic (primarily protein building in muscle and bone). As the effects of AAS on fetal development, pre-adolescents and females add greatly to the complexity of the topic, this article is restricted to the effects of AAS on post-pubescent males.
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Muscular Development.
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This story is from the September 2022 edition of Muscular Development.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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Best Cardio for Fat Loss - High Intensity vs. Low Intensity
Low-intensity cardiovascular exercise is the most common way to reduce body fat, despite mounting scientific evidence showing this form of cardiovascular training may not burn body fat as effectively as high-intensity cardio. In addition, low-intensity cardio has also been shown to inhibit muscle growth¹2, making the use of this approach to enhance your physique even more questionable.
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Get Peeled With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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