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The Safety of Oxandrolone in Sports Use: A Literature Review
Oxandrolone, also known as Anavar, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity in the sports world due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. However, with the use of AAS in sports being a controversial topic, it is important to examine the safety of oxandrolone in sports use. This article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review on the safety of oxandrolone in sports use, including its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential adverse effects.
Pharmacokinetics of Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with an added oxygen atom at the carbon 2 position, making it more resistant to metabolism by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This modification also increases its anabolic activity and decreases its androgenic activity, making it a popular choice among athletes looking to enhance their performance without the unwanted side effects of traditional AAS (Kicman, 2008).
Oral administration of oxandrolone results in rapid absorption and peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 9 hours, with a duration of action of 8-12 hours (Kicman, 2008). This short half-life allows for easy dosing and minimizes the risk of detection in drug tests.
Oxandrolone is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine as glucuronide conjugates. It has a low affinity for binding to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which allows for a higher percentage of free, active hormone in the body (Kicman, 2008). This may contribute to its potency and effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance.
Pharmacodynamics of Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone exerts its effects by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, including skeletal muscle, bone, and the central nervous system. This results in increased protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth and strength gains (Kicman, 2008). It also has a mild anti-catabolic effect, which may help athletes maintain muscle mass during periods of intense training or calorie restriction.
One study found that oxandrolone administration in healthy men resulted in a significant increase in lean body mass and muscle strength, without causing significant changes in body fat percentage or cholesterol levels (Demling & DeSanti, 2003). This suggests that oxandrolone may have a favorable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, making it a safer option for athletes compared to other AAS.
Adverse Effects of Oxandrolone
While oxandrolone may have a more favorable safety profile compared to other AAS, it is not without potential adverse effects. The most common side effects reported in studies include acne, increased body hair growth, and changes in libido (Kicman, 2008). These effects are typically mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
One of the more concerning potential adverse effects of oxandrolone is its impact on liver function. A study on the use of oxandrolone in patients with HIV-associated wasting found that 20% of participants experienced elevated liver enzymes, which returned to normal upon discontinuation of the drug (Grinspoon et al., 1999). This highlights the importance of monitoring liver function in individuals using oxandrolone, especially in those with pre-existing liver conditions.
Another potential concern with the use of oxandrolone in sports is its impact on cardiovascular health. A study on the effects of oxandrolone on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men found that it significantly increased total cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol levels (Demling & DeSanti, 2003). This may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals using oxandrolone long-term.
Real-World Examples
Oxandrolone has been used in various sports, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and track and field. One notable example is the case of Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who was stripped of his gold medal at the 1988 Olympics after testing positive for oxandrolone (Kicman, 2008). This incident brought attention to the use of AAS in sports and sparked debates on their safety and fairness in competition.
However, it is important to note that not all athletes who use oxandrolone do so for performance-enhancing purposes. In some cases, it may be prescribed by a physician for medical reasons, such as to treat muscle wasting in individuals with chronic illnesses or to aid in recovery from severe burns (Kicman, 2008). In these cases, the benefits of oxandrolone may outweigh the potential risks.
Expert Opinion
Overall, the literature suggests that oxandrolone may have a more favorable safety profile compared to other AAS. However, it is not without potential adverse effects, and caution should be exercised when using it in sports. Regular monitoring of liver function and cardiovascular health is recommended, and the use of oxandrolone should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional.
References
Demling, R. H., & DeSanti, L. (2003). Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, enhances the healing of a cutaneous wound in the rat. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 11(3), 198-203. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-475X.2003.11308.x
Grinspoon, S., Corcoran, C., Miller, K., Biller, B. M., Askari, H., Wang, E., … & Klibanski, A. (1999). Body composition and endocrine function in women with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome wasting. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 84(5), 1632-1637. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.84.5.5685
Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjp.2008.165
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