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Habitual use of steroids leads to kidney problems

Habitual use of steroids leads to kidney problems According to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42^nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, kidney function is affected among athletes using anabolic steroids to gain muscle mass and strength.

The study indicated that prolonged use of steroids bring about previously unrecognized harmful effects on the kidneys.

The first study performed to prove and describe the injury to the kidneys due to habitual use of steroids was conducted by Dr. Leal Herlitz, MD and her colleagues from Columbia University Medical Center. The team studied a group of bodybuilders who have been steroid users for many years. All 10 bodybuilders developed protein leakage into the urine. Kidney functions of these bodybuilders were also severely reduced. Nine out of ten bodybuilders developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition where the kidney gets severely scarred.

Fortunately, when the bodybuilders discontinued steroids use, their condition improved. However, one bodybuilder whose condition is in the advanced stage developed end-stage renal failure, which required him to undergo regular dialysis. One of the bodybuilders started taking steroids again. As a result, he suffered a relapse of severe kidney dysfunction.

Researchers suspected that steroids might have either direct toxic effects to the kidneys or indirect effects such as an increase in the filtration rate due to rapid muscle mass growth.

From Renal Business Today:

SAN DIEGO— Athletes who use anabolic steroids may gain muscle mass and strength, but they can also destroy their kidney function, according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego.