Background: the GDR (German Democratic Republic) has sanctioned AAS (Anabolic, Androgenic Steroids) administration to young athletes between 1966-1974 in an attempt to attain world class recognition in athleticism over the Russians (during which time were also professionally doping athletes of their own to win medals); Research information released after the fall of the GDR in 1990 disclosed many classified statistically analyzed information that gives us a rare sneak peak as for some of the experienced side effects these poor athletes have been documented to experience.
Approved by Dylan, I sought out to bring a humble summary of lessons past. Should anyone doubt the origin, value, and statistical viability of the information brought to light, please see references in the very next post. This is a translated and analyzed oversimplification of the data recovered from handwritten protocol books of the Chief Physician of the GDR Manford Höppner revealed in 1990, as well as other documents.
Disclaimer: I am not a bodybuilder. I have no hands on experience with the use of AAS. I work in the medical field as a medical student and a researcher. I teach Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Pathology, Physiology, Endocrinology and Cardiology, as well as having done research on cellular models in molecular biology.
I have oped to focus on one particular analysis of doping administered to 191 male and 174 female athletes; Most 20-26 years of age – competing in jumping, running and decathlon events. These are top of the line athletes pre chosen based on previous parameters to participate in this endeavour, including but not limited to screening based on: body fat percentage, max VO2 (A measure of the maximum volume of oxygen that an athlete can use) and pre doping best event times in their respective fields.
*A non collaborated source present within the same notes recovered as well, described that athletes presenting with early symptoms of AAS sensitivity (gynaecomastia, dermatitis and libido issue) were dismissed. Therefor the side effects described here were documented in the athletes who were best responding to drugs and in the best physical condition. Thus, quite possibly, these are the side effects documented in the athletes least likely to develop them.
Side effects documented: These side effects were mainly associated with the post competitive period of these pro athletes. That is to say, this is the baggage they were left with after they were done being “guinea pigs”. Some of these appeared within a year, some later. 38% of athletes sustained these and other complications indefinitely (i.e. Until the research was finally halted)
- 44 male and 40 female athletes developed long standing record high weight gain
- 26 females experienced increased menstruation or lack of menstruation, rendering them transiently or permanently infertile
- 20 males and 17 females experience abnormal growth of facial hair and acne
- 15 males and 14 females experienced decreased libido associated with reduced sexual potency, drive, and reduced fertility
- 10% experienced long lasting psychological symptoms of low threshold trigger rage, psychosocial dissociation and libido dissociation
- Additional problems specific to female athletes were noted: permanent deepening of the voice, permanent hair growth on the inner thighs and navel as well as gynaecological disorders
- Additional problems specific to males were noted: impotency of various levels nonresponsive to medication, depression and sexual detachment as well as a significant rate of long lasting gynaecomastia.
22 athletes in the ages of 15-16 (yes, you read correctly) developed life long growth arrest and infertility.
Researchers had also documented that some athletes that had underwent AAS administration had to be hospitalized following relatively small volume consumption of alcohol resulting in severe hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), hepatitis and biliary blockage. It was noted that these occurred in athletes that were administered AAS in the ages of 19-21 almost exclusively and not seen above the age of 26. That lead physicians to speculate that early administration of AAS permanently sensitizes the liver to alcohol induce damage by unknown mechanisms. One weightlifter by the name of Detlef Gerstenberg died soon after such a complication following alcohol consumption, reportedly almost a year after his last AAS administration.
I had omitted the dosage of the compounds, since the protocols are elaborate and were mainly documented according to various dosing grades in a per year/mg basis, but here are some of the compounds, used both on males and females, all of which were pharmaceutical, human-grade compounds, administered by physicians:
- Oral: Turinabol, Mestanolone, Dianabol
- Injectables: Testosterone propionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Turinabol (Nandrolone phenylpropionate, Durabolin), hCG,
- Nasal spray: Androstendione
Protocols are complex, but the baseline was administering one testosterone compound as a base substance accompanied by one other oral or injectable, only. Each athlete had one “cycle” that only ended after their carrier had peaked and were retired, or once life threatening cardiovascular symptoms developed.
Another interesting variable noted, is that the side effects mainly took hold of the athlete only after the AAS administration had ceased. It was also noted that the longer an athlete was on AAS continually, the harsher the side effects documented were.
I'd like to thank Dylan for welcoming an academic spin on athleticism, in the context of AAS.
References can be found in the next post (for sake of simplicity)
Approved by Dylan, I sought out to bring a humble summary of lessons past. Should anyone doubt the origin, value, and statistical viability of the information brought to light, please see references in the very next post. This is a translated and analyzed oversimplification of the data recovered from handwritten protocol books of the Chief Physician of the GDR Manford Höppner revealed in 1990, as well as other documents.
Disclaimer: I am not a bodybuilder. I have no hands on experience with the use of AAS. I work in the medical field as a medical student and a researcher. I teach Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Pathology, Physiology, Endocrinology and Cardiology, as well as having done research on cellular models in molecular biology.
I have oped to focus on one particular analysis of doping administered to 191 male and 174 female athletes; Most 20-26 years of age – competing in jumping, running and decathlon events. These are top of the line athletes pre chosen based on previous parameters to participate in this endeavour, including but not limited to screening based on: body fat percentage, max VO2 (A measure of the maximum volume of oxygen that an athlete can use) and pre doping best event times in their respective fields.
*A non collaborated source present within the same notes recovered as well, described that athletes presenting with early symptoms of AAS sensitivity (gynaecomastia, dermatitis and libido issue) were dismissed. Therefor the side effects described here were documented in the athletes who were best responding to drugs and in the best physical condition. Thus, quite possibly, these are the side effects documented in the athletes least likely to develop them.
Side effects documented: These side effects were mainly associated with the post competitive period of these pro athletes. That is to say, this is the baggage they were left with after they were done being “guinea pigs”. Some of these appeared within a year, some later. 38% of athletes sustained these and other complications indefinitely (i.e. Until the research was finally halted)
- 44 male and 40 female athletes developed long standing record high weight gain
- 26 females experienced increased menstruation or lack of menstruation, rendering them transiently or permanently infertile
- 20 males and 17 females experience abnormal growth of facial hair and acne
- 15 males and 14 females experienced decreased libido associated with reduced sexual potency, drive, and reduced fertility
- 10% experienced long lasting psychological symptoms of low threshold trigger rage, psychosocial dissociation and libido dissociation
- Additional problems specific to female athletes were noted: permanent deepening of the voice, permanent hair growth on the inner thighs and navel as well as gynaecological disorders
- Additional problems specific to males were noted: impotency of various levels nonresponsive to medication, depression and sexual detachment as well as a significant rate of long lasting gynaecomastia.
22 athletes in the ages of 15-16 (yes, you read correctly) developed life long growth arrest and infertility.
Researchers had also documented that some athletes that had underwent AAS administration had to be hospitalized following relatively small volume consumption of alcohol resulting in severe hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), hepatitis and biliary blockage. It was noted that these occurred in athletes that were administered AAS in the ages of 19-21 almost exclusively and not seen above the age of 26. That lead physicians to speculate that early administration of AAS permanently sensitizes the liver to alcohol induce damage by unknown mechanisms. One weightlifter by the name of Detlef Gerstenberg died soon after such a complication following alcohol consumption, reportedly almost a year after his last AAS administration.
I had omitted the dosage of the compounds, since the protocols are elaborate and were mainly documented according to various dosing grades in a per year/mg basis, but here are some of the compounds, used both on males and females, all of which were pharmaceutical, human-grade compounds, administered by physicians:
- Oral: Turinabol, Mestanolone, Dianabol
- Injectables: Testosterone propionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Turinabol (Nandrolone phenylpropionate, Durabolin), hCG,
- Nasal spray: Androstendione
Protocols are complex, but the baseline was administering one testosterone compound as a base substance accompanied by one other oral or injectable, only. Each athlete had one “cycle” that only ended after their carrier had peaked and were retired, or once life threatening cardiovascular symptoms developed.
Another interesting variable noted, is that the side effects mainly took hold of the athlete only after the AAS administration had ceased. It was also noted that the longer an athlete was on AAS continually, the harsher the side effects documented were.
I'd like to thank Dylan for welcoming an academic spin on athleticism, in the context of AAS.
References can be found in the next post (for sake of simplicity)
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