What are steroids?
The term 'Steroids' is becoming increasingly used in the fitness world. This refers to anabolic steroids, a type of artificial testosterone. These are taken as a supplement to augment the body's levels of testosterone to stimulate muscle growth and athletic performance [1, 2]. The use of steroids is increasingly common in the young fitness community, particularly in individuals with limited training experience, who view their use as a fast-track towards better fitness results [3].
However, the use of steroids carries major risks including liver problems (alterations in liver function have been observed in 80% of steroid users [4]), or worse outcomes with viral infections such as COVID-19 [5].
In this blog, we will look at two types of steroid fitness supplements, anadrol and dianabol and compare their mode of action and side effects.
What is Anadrol?
Anadrol, which is a brand name for Oxymetholone, is a synthetic derivative of testosterone. Molecularly, it is an 17alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid, meaning that it has a methyl group (carbon and three hydrogens). This is important, as it makes the molecule orally bioavailable, which means that it can be taken by mouth as a pill instead of an injection. However, it is also associated with adverse effects (more on them later).
Anadrol: Mode of action and uses
Anadrol works by increasing the amount of erythropoietin, which is a hormone that induces the production of red blood cels. This consequently improves the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood [6]. This makes the molecule useful in treating anaemias: the molecule is approved by the FDA for diseases that cause low red blood cell levels. These include acquired aplastic anemia, congenital aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis and hypoplastic anemia. However, it must be noted that treatment with Anadrol should not replace transfusion, correction of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation in management of these anaemias.
Besides anaemias, Anadrol has been studies for treatment of HIV-associated wasting syndromes, antithrombin III deficiency, pediatric growth impairment, and damaged myocardium, with varying degrees of success [6].
In fitness, Anadrol is used as a performance-enhancing drug, as it increases muscle mass. This is true in both younger and older patients [7].
Adverse effects of Anadrol
Despite its benefits and therapeutic uses in anaemia, there are serious potential adverse effects associated with its use. The most significant is hepatotoxicity (toxicity to the liver), with jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to accummulation of waste) being a prominent adverse effect. Additionally, Anadrol causes androgenic side effects including acne, hair loss, change in libido and sexual potency, and gynecomastia (breast enlargement) in men.
In women, side effects can include frowth of hair in unusual places (such as the face, also known as hirsutism), clitoral enlargement and amenorrhea (loss of the menstrual cycle) [6]. In some cases, it has been associated with alterations in immune function, such as a decrease in spleen cell mixed leukocyte response and cytotoxic T cell activity, as well as development of liver cancer.
What is Dianabol (Dbol)?
Dianabol, which is a brand name for methandienone, is another anabolic steroid which falls within the family or orally active 17alpha-alkylated anabolic steroids. Similarly to Anadrol, it is a synthetic analogue of testosterone [8, 9].
Mode of action and uses of Dianabol
Dianabol binds to the androgen receptor in the body, which in turn switches on the DNA transcription process leading to increase in protein synthesis and, consequently, results in muscle growth. Additionally, this increases the total blood volume (by approximately 15%) and decreases the resting heart rate (and the heart rate during exercise) [8].
Medically, Dianabol does not see much use due to its adverse effects, and potential for misuse. It has been studied as a potential modulator of haemodynamics (such as blood volume and heart rate) [8]. However, it has not been approved for use in clinical care by authorities.
As Dianabol influences protein synthesis, it is used in the fitness community to increase muscle mass and improve performance. However, it should be noted that this use of Dianabol is illegal in multiple jurisdictions [9].
Adverse effects of Dianabol
As other steroids, Dianabol has hepatotoxic side effects, as well as other androgenic side effects similar to those of Anadrol. Furthemore, Dianabol use can lead to increased fluid retention, and gynecomastia.
Summary: Differences between Anadrol and Dianabol
In summary, both Anadrol and Dianabol are anabolic steroids. They differ slightly in exerting their effect, with Dianabol influencing muscle gain more than Anadrol. However, it is important to note that neither of these molecules is used in clinical practice, particularly due to their toxic side effects to the liver. Importantly, the use of these molecules in fitness can also be associated with adverse outcomes due to their side effects, and also their use can be illegal.