The anabolic steroids have been studied as a treatment for wasting caused by HIV, and have been shown to be safe and effective, helping the formation of lean muscle mass. To be most effective, anabolic steroid treatment should be combined with an exercise program of resistance (weight) training.
Studies have mostly been restricted to men because of concerns about the side-effects of steroid treatment for women.
Anabolic steroids can increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and other side-effects, so their use should be closely monitored particularly if you are taking a protease inhibitor or have any risk factors for heart disease.
Testosterone replacement therapy in people with HIV
It is estimated that as many as 40% of HIV-positive men who are ill because of HIV have low levels of testosterone (hypogonadism). Low testosterone can result in decreased appetite, depression, poor metabolism of food, and sexual problems, including the inability to obtain and maintain an erection.
A blood test can show if you have low levels of testosterone and your doctor may prescribe either a short course of oral testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone patches, or testosterone gel.
Although testosterone is usually considered to be the male sexual hormone, it also occurs naturally in women. Testosterone patches have been examined as a treatment for wasting caused by HIV in women. It was found that weight and quality of life improved for some of the women, and the development of male characteristics was not reported.
Side-effects from testosterone replacement therapy are rare, but can include the shutting down of natural testosterone production, shrinking of the testicles, hair loss, increased sexual desire, and aggression. In women, male characteristics, such as the deepening of the voice, and facial hair may develop.
Studies have mostly been restricted to men because of concerns about the side-effects of steroid treatment for women.
Anabolic steroids can increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and other side-effects, so their use should be closely monitored particularly if you are taking a protease inhibitor or have any risk factors for heart disease.
Testosterone replacement therapy in people with HIV
It is estimated that as many as 40% of HIV-positive men who are ill because of HIV have low levels of testosterone (hypogonadism). Low testosterone can result in decreased appetite, depression, poor metabolism of food, and sexual problems, including the inability to obtain and maintain an erection.
A blood test can show if you have low levels of testosterone and your doctor may prescribe either a short course of oral testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone patches, or testosterone gel.
Although testosterone is usually considered to be the male sexual hormone, it also occurs naturally in women. Testosterone patches have been examined as a treatment for wasting caused by HIV in women. It was found that weight and quality of life improved for some of the women, and the development of male characteristics was not reported.
Side-effects from testosterone replacement therapy are rare, but can include the shutting down of natural testosterone production, shrinking of the testicles, hair loss, increased sexual desire, and aggression. In women, male characteristics, such as the deepening of the voice, and facial hair may develop.
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