Anabolism is the nitrogen-retaining effect responsible for building up body tissue. Thus, certain steroid hormones such as ANDROGEN have that property so that when taken, lead to an increase in muscle bulk and strength. They have been used medically to stimulate protein production in debilitating illness, and to promote growth in children with pituitary dwarfism and other disorders associated with interference of growth. Stimulation of protein anabolism may also be of value in acute renal failure, and the retention of nitrogen and calcium is of probable benefit to patients with OSTEOPOROSIS and to patients receiving corticosteroid therapy. Anabolic steroids may stimulate bone-marrow function in hypoplastic ANAEMIA. The anabolic steroids in therapeutic use include nandrolone and stanozolol.

They have been widely abused by athletes and body-builders aiming to improve their strength, stamina, speed or body size. However, there are considerable doubts over their efficacy in this respect Androgenic side-effects may result from any of these anabolic compounds, especially if they are given for prolonged periods: for this reason they should all be used with caution in women, and are contraindicated in men with prostatic carcinoma. Jaundice due to stasis of bile in the intrahepatic canaliculi is a hazard, and the depression of pituitary gonadotrophin production is a possible complication.

Other dangerous adverse effects include myocardial infarction (see HEART, DISEASES OF – Coronary thrombosis), DIABETES MELLITUS, liver disease, carcinoma of the prostate, acne, and severe psychiatric disorders.