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Steroids and Your Blood (Part 1)

Heavy training will always produce extraordinary results for bodybuilders regardless of whether he is taking Anabolic Steroids or not. We are going to take a closer look at a really vital organ...the liver, although we do in fact rely on all of our bodies organs for detoxification, various energy conversion processes, as well as muscle growth and repair.

The secretions help in the digestion of fats, produces high density lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and destroys the nasty undesired low density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C). An important point to consider is that even while resting our liver gets around 30% of the total blood supply, (take a good look at some on your next trip to the butchers).

Liver function tests actually detect enzyme levels (biological catalyst, want to know more? - go do a biochemistry course). A weight trainer's intense workouts will break down large amounts of skeletal muscle cells (if you've been working out properly anyway).

This and intramuscular injections can distort test results. So what did I need to tell my Doctor so we know what to worry about and what he can sigh about people wanting to have bulging muscles? The tests involve a range of enzyme markers; let's look at the ones pertinent to weight lifters.

Each of the items listed below are parameters used in the measuring of a full blood haematology profile, and it is included here just to get a full understanding, but if the truth is known only a couple of these indices are of any interest to bodybuilders.

Haemoglobin: Let's take a look at the quantity of major blood protein of red blood cells and we certainly don't want a low count test result as this would imply that you have anaemia. The more likely causes are unbalanced diet and or deficiency of Vit B12 and folic acid in the blood. But no sweat, this is easily put right with a nice helping of liver or spinach.

Red cells: weird one, measures the amount of red cells in a given volume of blood. These are produced by the bone marrow and survive for around 3 weeks, certain toxins namely alcohol can result in larger than normal cells (macrocytosis) - problem if you're trying to squeeze the fat arse cells through small capillaries!

HCT ratio PCV (haematocrit ratio, packed cell volume / MCH (average corpuscular haemoglobin / MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations) top the list in red blood cell indices which provide us with concrete information about the shape and content of red blood cells.

ESR (erythocyte sedimentation rate) is a good broad indication of a patient's health. My one always comes in high when suffering from an infection (some treatments can compromise the immune system). Many inflammatory conditions can also return a high test result.

The correct level of platelets is essential in the blood system for the purpose of allowing the blood to clot. If a low count is found then the possibility of bruising or excessive bleeding from a wound is likely to happen. This condition can also be enhanced by taking aspirin while in an ECA stack.

A high while cell blood count would be the result of a viral or bacterial infection which increases production, releasing more antibodies to get the infection under control. The advantage of possessing good muscle mass comes into play here as protein is required to synthesis antibodies.

The above tests are not normally looked at in the GP's consulting room, unless specific problems have been encountered. The following test parameters are the ones that are usual to weight trainers but sound alarm bells to any consulting Doctor interpreting the results, not used to having a 200lb plus muscle monster in front of him. (Don't miss part 2).