Anabolic Steroid Induced Hypogonadism (ASIH)
Hypogonadism is a disturbance of HPTA homeostasis. Hypogonadism is inadequate gonadal function, as manifested by deficiencies in spermatogenesis and/or the secretion of testosterone. AAS, including testosterone, licit and illicit, administration induce a state of hypogonadism that continues after their cessation. This state is present during their administration but typically becomes symptomatic or manifest after AAS cessation. To date, all compounds classified as androgens or anabolic steroids prescribed clinically cause a negative feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis, suppress endogenous gonadotropin secretion, and as a consequence serum testosterone.
Anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism (ASIH) is the functional incompetence of the testes with subnormal or impaired production of testosterone or spermatozoa due to administration of androgens or anabolic steroids. ASIH results from an abnormality in the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA), from a negative feedback inhibition of one of the hormone secreting glands, causing a cascading unbalance in the rest of the axis.
Anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism (ASIH) occurs in one-hundred percent of individuals upon AAS cessation. There is not a single study within the peer-reviewed literature demonstrating an immediate return of HPTA homeostasis upon AAS cessation. AAS, licit and illicit, induce a state of hypogonadism that continues after their cessation. The only variable is the duration and severity of ASIH. ASIH, as a form of hypogonadism, is a real disease with potentially serious consequences.
Declining, or suppressed, circulating testosterone levels because of either pathophysiological or induced hypogonadal conditions can have many negative consequences in males. There is a direct association between hypogonadism (decreased levels of testosterone) and a number of signs and symptoms, most notably body composition changes (decrease in muscle mass and increase in fat mass), decreased muscle strength, bone loss, increased cardiovascular risk, sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, decreased spontaneous erections, decreased ejaculate, erection dysfunction, decreased sexual fantasies, and anorgasmia), decreased cognitive abilities (memory and concentration), sleep disturbances, adverse psychological effects (depression, low self esteem, guilt, increased stress, and anhedonia), sleep disturbances, and constitutional symptoms (general fatigue, agitation/motor dyskinesia, and decreased appetite). Reports of symptoms following use of illicit androgens also include suicidal ideation and suicide.
December 25th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Great post.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Dr. Scally,
I have heard some people taking up to 2000IU of HCG every other day or every third day for about two weeks. Some use Clomid and/or Nolvadex as well. It seems to me this could desensitize the testicles to LH at such high dosages. Is using 2000IU of HCG every other day recommended? Great site by the way!