Steroids are an important class of biologic compounds in the body. The sex hormones are steroids and include testosterone, the primary anabolic steroid in humans. Anabolic steroids are tissue mass-increasing steroids, which means they help build muscle.

The effect of anabolic steroids is to increase the body's ability to use protein to make muscle. The way your body uses protein can be affected by HIV infection. Anabolic steroids help send the amino acids back to the muscles. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins needed by the muscles to grow.

Testosterone is produced in the testicles and adrenal glands. Its function is to build muscles and masculinize. Naturally occurring testosterone is rapidly cleared by the liver and doesn't circulate in the body long enough to be useful as a treatment. Oral synthetic forms of testosterone are cleared more slowly by the liver, but tend to be liver toxic.

Injectable testosterone formulations have longer half-lives than naturally occurring testosterone and are less liver toxic than the oral formulations. Continuous use of very high doses of any anabolic steroid can cause a serious syndrome called peliosis hepatitis which can result in liver failure or stomach bleeding. Use of testosterone is not recommended for women, and adequate study of testosterone treatment for women has not been done.

Anabolic steroids like testosterone help build muscles and discourage fat buildup. Anabolic steroids may be useful as part of an effective diet and exercise regimen to build and maintain weight. The doses used for maintenance of weight are not high enough to cause many of the side effects associated with their use among athletes.

To maintain weight through the use of anabolic steroids, it's important to eat foods rich in amino acids and protein sources. A recommended amount of protein is one gram for every pound of ideal body weight.

Consult with a nutritionist about getting adequate amounts of protein from food and nutrition supplements. Four meals a day may be better for you than three. If you are unable to eat, due to side effects of medications and infections, a consultation with a nutritionist can help you figure out ways to get enough protein through nutrition supplements. The Network can refer you to a nutritionist experienced in working with people with HIV and AIDS.

If you are taking an anabolic steroid to increase and maintain your weight, your doctor should consider cycling you off the drug every 6-8 weeks as a safeguard against side effects. If you have any history of diabetes or other liver problems, you should not attempt to use anabolic steroids.

Available anabolic steroids include nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin) and oxandrolone (Oxandrin). Both of these anabaolic steroids have been shown to help increase weight and muscle mass in small studies of people with wasting.

For more information about anabolic steroids for the treatment of HIV-related weight loss, you can contact the Program for Wellness Restoration (PoWeR). PoWeR is a non-profit organization is informational only, but can provide sample treatment protocols. PoWeR materials are also available from the Houston Buyer's Club at (713) 520-5288 or (800) 350-2392.

A significant side effect of some anabolic steroids is a tendency to produce an inflammation of the liver called hepatitis when taken orally. For older men, side effects can include rapid enlargement of the prostate, causing difficulty with urination and the possiblity of activating a previously undetected and inactive prostate cancer.

Useful internet addresses:

• The Program for Wellness Restoration (PoWeR) - http://medibolics.com/nelson/index.htm
• Medibolics - http://www.medibolics.com/index.htm

Last modified: 8/15/2006
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