Without anabolic steroids: Federal Council of Medicine prohibits prescription of steroids for physical performance

EAAs are a group of synthetic substances formed based on the hormone testosterone, and have been used by gym goers looking for a “shortcut” to gain a body full of muscles.

Indiscriminate use poses health risks, especially in inadequate doses of hormones, including the possibility of disastrous side effects.

“There are countless adverse effects. These include depression, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, infertility, increased aggressiveness, dependence, depression, cardiovascular problems, including cardiac hypertrophy, systemic arterial hypertension and acute myocardial infarction, and liver diseases such as drug-induced hepatitis and acute liver failure. In women, it also causes enlargement of the clitoris, deepening of the voice, increase in hair and hair loss”, highlighted José Hiran Gallo, president of the CFM. 

The warning about these risks was made in a joint letter signed by eight medical societies and sent to the CFM at the end of last month asking for the body's position regarding the indiscriminate use of these synthetic hormones. 

Discussions about side effects have been going on since last year

The discussion around the abusive use of hormonal therapies had been going on since last year between the CFM and medical societies, which demanded a more effective position from the federal body. Until then, there was no formal Council position on the ethical responsibility of doctors who prescribe the use of these hormones indiscriminately and unnecessarily.  

“The use of hormones for aesthetic and performance purposes is a public health problem. It is important to make it clear that no one is against it, on the contrary, it is our specialty to replace any type of hormone for those who have a deficiency in hormone production. What we are discussing and the CFM came to regulate is the use of hormones by those who are not deficient and in extremely high doses, often combining other medications to reduce side effects”, highlighted endocrinologist Clayton Luiz Dornelles Macedo, professor at Unifesp and president of the Department of Exercise and Sport Endocrinology at SBEM.

According to the text of the CFM resolution, it is medical prescription of hormonal therapies with androgenic and anabolic steroids is prohibited due to the lack of scientific evidence to support their benefit and patient safety.

The standard highlights the lack of randomized clinical studies of good methodological quality that demonstrate the risks associated with androgenic hormone therapy at levels above physiological levels, both in men and women.

“The indiscriminate use of hormonal therapies for aesthetic purposes or to increase sports performance is today a growing concern in medicine and public health”, warns the rapporteur of the resolution and federal counselor Annelise Meneguesso.

With the express prohibition, doctors who prescribe the use of hormones without justification may be reported to the regional medical councils, which may open an investigation to investigate the cases. If there is proof of improper prescription, the doctor may be punished with a warning up to revocation.

Source: Einstein Agency

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