I have just read an
insightful new review of my book on a cycling blog by JP Partland:
Generally positive, but it does make the comment that I should have written
more about the long-term adverse health effects. I agree this information is somewhat
lacking, though anecdotal evidence is discussed in the book. However, it is
hard to get good scientific evidence of the clinical effects of the
pharmaceuticals at the doses used; in many cases for obvious reasons it is equally
hard to get the evidence of what doses were used in the first place. The best
data probably comes from anabolic steroids and bodybuilders where there is
reasonable evidence of adverse long term liver effects [1, 2] and enhanced
cardiovascular risk [3].
I was interviewed last
year about this by Jodie Marsh, the model turned natural bodybuilder, for a
special on the Discovery DMAX channel. I have seen show this show featured in a
press release (see link below), but not sure if it was ever / will ever be aired:
[1] Socas, L et al. (2005) Hepatocellular adenomas associated with anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in bodybuilders: a report of two cases and a review of the literature Br J Sports Med 39: e27.
[2] Hardt, A et al. (2012) Development of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in a young bodybuilder: a case report Case Report Pathol 2012: 195607.
[3] Angell, P et al. (2012) Anabolic steroids and cardiovascular risk Sports Med. 42: 119-34.
