Lipemic and Lipoproteinemic Effects of Natural and Synthetic Androgens in Humans

Testosterone cypionate administration in weight-trained subjects reduced serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels without affecting the total cholesterol (Total-C)/HDL-C ratio. Nandrolone decanoate administration also reduced HDL-C levels, but elevated the Total-C/HDL-C ratio. These findings could not be attributed to changes in exercise patterns, dietary intake, or alcohol consumption. It is concluded that the synthetic androgen employed in this study produced a worsening of potential lipid-related risk factors for ischemic heart disease and that exogenous testosterone has a much less pronounced effect on such risk factors.