Blood lipid & lipoprotein(A) concentrations following long term anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use

The effects of AAS on blood lipids is regarded as being both dramatic and consistent, but the effects of long term AAS use on blood lipids are unstudied to date. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long term AAS use on body composition, blood lipids and Lp(a). Subjects (n = 32) were age matched and and were divided into four groups; AAS users who were still using at time of testing; AAS users who had been abstinent for a period greater than three months, bodybuilding controls who did not use any pharmacological ergogenic aids, and sedentary controls. Both groups of AAS users had used used AAS for over twenty years. The AAS using control group had abstained from AAS use for a minimum of 12 weeks prior to examination. Data was analysed using a one way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey test. Mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in both groups of AAS users compared with controls, (P < 0.01). The sedentary control group had significantly higher body fat (P < 0.05). The AAS users who were using at the time of testing had significantly higher LDL concentrations (P < 0.05); and lower HDL concentrations (P < 0.05). There were no differences between groups for triglycerides. Both groups of AAS users also had higher Lp(a) concentrations (P < 0.01), which does not conform with previous reports. The effects on HDL and LDL cholesterol would appear to be transient as the AAS users who were abstinent for 12 weeks were no different to controls. However, the effects of long term AAS use on Lp(a) may be prolonged and warrants further investigation.