Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functionality on a bodybuilding competitioner before, during and after the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids. A young healthy man was followed up for 4months. The subject reported his drug administration protocol through periodic interviews and performed laboratory tests to monitor the function of his hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Time 1 (before the steroids use) shows all hormones levels (follicle-stimulating hormone=4,2mUI/ml, luteinising hormone=3,7mUI/ml and total testosterone=5,7ng/ml) within reference values. In Time 2, after 8weeks on steroids abuse, a complete hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis derangement is evident with noticeable negative feedback (follicle-stimulating hormone=1,47mUI/ml, luteinising hormone=0,1mUI/ml and total testosterone=1,47ng/ml). At the third moment (40days after Time 2), we can see a tendency to recovery, however, the serum levels of the investigated hormones were still considerably lower than the baseline values. At the end, we could conclude that the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, at supraphysiological dosages, even for a short time (8weeks), causes severe disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The endogenous testosterone synthesis was severely compromised by important decline in serum luteinising hormone levels.
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