Commonly Abused AAS
Mechanism of Action
Physiological Effects
Psycho-social Effects
100

Most commonly (ab)used AAS, marketed to increase appetite and muscle mass and in livestock. FinajetTM / FinaplixTM

Trenbolone

100

AAS are structurally similar to what hormone?

Testosterone

100

Decrease of natriuretic proteins, increase in fluid retention, and thickening of cardiac / blood vessel walls.

Hypertension

100

Inhibition of impulse control and aggression response centres within the brain

Increased aggression

200

AAS currently approved for treatment of anaemias,  HIV/AIDS, and cachexia. AnadrolTM / AnapolonTM

Oxymethalone

200

Which receptors do most AAS act on?

Androgen receptors 

200

Excess testosterone is converted into oestrogen which binds to receptors within the chest / breast tissue.

Gynecomastia

200

Insecurity in physical appearance, aiming to "match" an idealised sense of appearance or those around you. 

Body dysmorphia

300

Oral AAS that impacts mainly on protein synthesis and glycogenolysis instead of on the androgen receptor. DianabolTM

Methandrostenalone

300

What is the impact of AAS on androgenic receptors?

Upregulation and increased number. 

300

Secondary hypogonadism, leading to reduced secretion of gonadotrophin and sperm cell production.

Testicular Atrophy

300

Frequent hormonal imbalances between testosterone and oestrogen, causing fluctuation of other hormones and neurotransmitters.  

Mood Swings

400

Synthetic testosterone that may be used to treat  forms of anaemia, osteoporosis, and some forms of metabolic syndrome. Deca-durabolinTM

Nandrolone

400

What are some metabolic processes increased with use of AAS? (2/3)

Protein synthesis, glycogenolysis, overall BMR

400

Increased production of hepatic triglyceride lipase to decrease HDL and hypercortisolism to increase LDL/VLDL.

Hyperlipidaemia

400

Related to mood swings and inhibition of impulse control. Increased sense of confidence from both internal and external factors, in addition to the belief on increased cardio "work out".

Increased libido

500

"Cutting cycle" oral AAS approved for treatment of hereditary angioedaema and veterinary uses. WinstrolTM / TevabolinTM

Stanozolone

500

How does the over-action on androgenic receptors increase muscle and body mass?

Increases genetic proteogenesis via increased transcription and translation. 

500

Transient serum enzyme elevations, vascular damage, acute cholestatic syndrome, and unregulated growth stimulus to hepatocytes. 

Hepatotoxicity

500

Severe consequence of altered brain chemistry thought to be connected to extreme confidence and lack of impulse-control. A detachment from reality.

Hallucinations and delusions / "self-induced psychosis"