Androgenic-anabolic steroid effects on serum and skin surface lipids, on red cells, and on liver enzymes

Abstract

The effects of large doses of testosterone and anabolic steroids on the serum lipids and skin surface lipids were studied during a 12-week strength training period. Decreased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (P less than 0.001) and elevated serum triglyceride (P less than 0.05) levels were found at the same time with an elevated skin surface lipid cholesterol level. The erythropoiesis and function of the liver were only slightly stimulated. These abnormalities were assumed to be a direct effect of the testosterone and anabolic steroids.