Effects of androgens on haemostasis.

Winkler UH. Zentrum fur Frauenheilkunde, Universitatsklinikum Essen, Germany.

Androgen deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that thromboembolic disease as well as myocardial ifarction in hypogonadic males are mediated by low baseline fibrinolytic activity.

Hypogonadism in males is associated with an enhancement of fibrinolytic inhibition via increased synthesis of the plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI 1. On the other hand, stanozolol and danazol reduce PAI 1 and are associated with increased fibrinolytic activity. However, in male abusers of anabolic steroids the net effect on the haemostatic system may change from anti- to prothrombotic; there appears to be an individual threshold dose above which thrombogenic effects on platelets and vasomotion may overcome the profibrinolytic effects on PAI 1. There are numerous reports on weight-lifters dying of atherothrombotic ischemic heart disease while abusing anabolic steroids. Androgens are known to have profound effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In fact, much of the individual inconsistency of the effects of androgens on fibrinolytic and haemostatic activity appears to be based on the close interrelationship of these metabolic systems. Androgens may have unfavourable effects on the HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio, on triglyceride levels and on the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) system. Hypertriglyceridemia as well as insulin resistance are both associated with low fibrinolytic activity and increased PAI 1 levels.

Read more

Join Waitlist We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Please leave your valid email address below.