IGF-1 is produced by the liver in response to human growth hormone. Anabolic Steroids Testosterone and the chemically similar synthetic anabolic steroids have been used by athletes and body builders to increase their muscle mass and stamina. Anabolic steroids can be dangerous, though, and medical supervision is desirable. Community doctors have found that testosterone replacement therapy can improve patients' mood, sexual function, appetite and energy, although the long-term effects on immune function are not known. Testosterone replacement is generally not sufficient to manage weight loss and increasing testosterone levels to above normal can have adverse effects, including liver damage.
Early results indicate that patients taking oxandrolone experience weight gain.
Upon termination of treatment, weight loss resumed, however. There was no evidence of CD8 or CD4 cell increases resulting from oxandrolone therapy. The effects of anabolic steroids on women in particular need further monitoring, although oxandrolone is reputed to have few masculinizing effects. Many feel that these compounds work much better when accompanied by a rigorous exercise program. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate the combination of anabolic steroids with growth hormone and testosterone replacement.