[Changes in the endogenous hormonal background due to anabolic steroids].

Studies into the effects of metandrostenolone and ecdisterone, anabolic steroids of different classes, on the content of hormones in blood plasma made it possible to establish that metandrostenolone produces appreciable changes in the hormonal background: a short-term increase in the content of corticosterone but a decline in the concentration of somatotropic hormone (STH). The long-term administration of metandrostenolone brings about a reduction of the content of testosterone. Unlike metandrostenolone, ecidsterone provoked but an increase in the content of corticosterone both on single and long-term administration. It is concluded that the rise of the content of corticosteroids in blood plasma under the influence of the tested drugs may be a factor favoring mobilization of biochemical processes in skeletal muscles in response to physical exercise. Meanwhile the change in the corticosterone:testosterone:STH ratio in blood may cause side effects due to the long-term use of metandrostenolone and other anabolic derivatives of androgens.