The Psycho-Neural Effects of Chronic Anabolic Steroid Use: A Theorization in Exogenous Androgen Induced Psychopathology
Long term research in regards to the effects of anabolic steroids exists almost entirely in the anecdotal but we know enough about the psycho-neural development and function of the human brain as well as the role of the hypothalamic pituitary testicular/gonadal axis in psychologically defined quality of life.
Both testosterone and estrogen are integral factors in the way we feel and define our quality of life (QOL) in psychological terms. Introducing exogenous hormones at dosages exponentially more than anything found in nature will inevitably have a profound effect on one's psychopathology. The human brain, especially the hypothalamus which controls mood and complex emotional functions, is heavily populated with androgen receptors. Furthermore, when testosterone converts into estrogen at a supraphysiological level (a result of excessive exogenous testosterone administration) one must be aware of the effects of unnaturally high levels of estradiol in the body. Recent case studies have theorized that high levels of estradiol might have a positive correlation toward impulsive behavior and mania.
One of the most important neurological manners in which exogenous testosterone administration can have an overwhelming effect on psychopathology is through the binding of the androgen receptors on a variety of neurological pathways that act as the neurotransmitters for mechanisms that control aggressive and sexual behavior. A prime example of this is testosterone binding to the 5-HT neurotransmitter. In addition, testosterone will bind to and stimulate the arginine vasopressin system - a system which has been shown to mediate aggressive behavior. It will also cause a synergistic effect with the 5-HT neurons that are highly populated with androgen receptors, as the AVP system is densely populated with 5-HT neurotransmitters. It is also important to note that testosterone will blunt GABA production and minimize dopamine in the hypothalamus - both chemicals of which have an inverse correlation to levels of aggression.
We already have conclusive evidence that endocrinology and psychopatholgy go hand in hand. On average, three quarters of patients suffering from clinical depression have abnormally high levels of cortisol from hyperactivity in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. Exogenous hormone use will have a profound effect on one's brain chemistry, but we are still in the process of theorizing - nowhere near conclusions, let alone predictive analysis. One must also remember that personal experience (environmental), androgen sensitivity and history of psychopathology will play an equally important role in the manifestation of behaviors induced by exogenous androgens.
