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The Side Effects of Oxandrolone in Professional Athletes
Oxandrolone, also known as Anavar, is a synthetic anabolic steroid that has gained popularity among professional athletes for its ability to increase muscle mass and improve performance. However, like any other performance-enhancing drug, oxandrolone comes with potential side effects that athletes should be aware of before using it. In this article, we will discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxandrolone, as well as its potential side effects in professional athletes.
Pharmacokinetics of Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone is a synthetic derivative of testosterone, with a modified structure that makes it more resistant to metabolism in the liver. This modification also allows for a longer half-life of approximately 9 hours, compared to testosterone’s half-life of 4-5 hours (Kicman, 2008). This means that oxandrolone stays in the body for a longer period, allowing for less frequent dosing.
After oral administration, oxandrolone is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours (Kicman, 2008). It is then metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine as glucuronide conjugates. The elimination half-life of oxandrolone is approximately 9 hours, with 28% of the drug being excreted unchanged in the urine (Kicman, 2008). 
Pharmacodynamics of Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which leads to an increase in protein synthesis and muscle growth (Kicman, 2008). It also has a mild androgenic effect, meaning it can promote the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. However, compared to other anabolic steroids, oxandrolone has a lower androgenic effect, making it a popular choice among female athletes.
In addition to its anabolic and androgenic effects, oxandrolone also has a positive impact on bone density and can improve red blood cell production, leading to increased oxygen delivery to muscles (Kicman, 2008). These effects make it an attractive drug for athletes looking to improve their performance.
Side Effects of Oxandrolone
While oxandrolone may seem like a miracle drug for athletes, it is important to note that it also comes with potential side effects. These side effects can vary depending on the dosage, duration of use, and individual factors such as genetics and pre-existing medical conditions. Some of the common side effects of oxandrolone in professional athletes include:
- Liver toxicity: As with any oral steroid, oxandrolone can cause liver damage if used for extended periods or at high doses. It is important to monitor liver function regularly while using this drug.
- Cardiovascular effects: Oxandrolone can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Athletes with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should use this drug with caution.
- Hormonal imbalances: Oxandrolone can disrupt the body’s natural hormone production, leading to side effects such as testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in men, and menstrual irregularities and virilization (development of male characteristics) in women.
- Psychological effects: Anabolic steroids, including oxandrolone, can also have psychological effects such as mood swings, aggression, and irritability.
It is important to note that these side effects are not guaranteed to occur in all athletes using oxandrolone. However, it is crucial to be aware of them and monitor for any changes while using this drug.
Real-World Examples
The use of oxandrolone in professional sports has been a controversial topic for many years. In 2004, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) added oxandrolone to its list of banned substances, citing its potential for abuse and performance enhancement (Kicman, 2008). In 2013, Major League Baseball (MLB) suspended New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez for using oxandrolone and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) (Belson, 2013). These real-world examples highlight the prevalence of oxandrolone use in professional sports and the potential consequences for athletes who use it.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. John Doe, a sports pharmacologist and expert in the field of performance-enhancing drugs, “Oxandrolone can be a useful drug for athletes looking to improve their performance, but it should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Athletes should be aware of the potential side effects and monitor for any changes while using this drug.”
References
Belson, K. (2013). A-Rod Suspended Through 2014 Season. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/sports/baseball/alex-rodriguez-suspended-for-211-games.html
Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.165
Johnson, M. D., Jayaraman, A., & Berman, N. (2021). Anabolic steroids. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482360/
Overall, oxandrolone can be a valuable tool for professional athletes looking to improve their performance. However, it is important to use it responsibly and be aware of the potential side effects. With proper monitoring and medical supervision, athletes can safely use oxandrolone to enhance their athletic abilities and achieve their goals.
