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Does Taking Steroids During Puberty Affect Gnrh Neurons?

Posted on Tue, 23 Dec 2014

Question: Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Parameswaran XXXXXXX Previously you advise me on topic of steroid effects on developing hpg axis in beginning of puberty. You advised the steroid helps the Gnrh neurons to start firing. I have some question about this topic.

The influence of steroid on Gnrh neurons to start firing MUST mean an alteration to the structure of Gnrh neuron. And we know neurons dont renew. Does this mean the steroid taken during a critical time (beginning of puberty) has had a permanent influence on my Gnrh neurons? Please advise

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to have permanent influence

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Thank you for asking the question. Short course of Oxandrololne or Testosterone treatment is used in delayed puberty or CDP ( constitutional delay in puberty) to kick start the puberty by making the GNRH neurons to start firing. These GnRH neuron signals, travel to pituitary gland and LH and FSH are produced which stimulates testes to produce male hormones. Once the GNRH start firing, then it will continue the process with out much further external stimulation.

The external short course Testosterone or Oxandrolone treatment kick start these process by lowering the signaling threshold of GNRH neurons. It is unlikely to have any permanent influence on GnRH neurons.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (24 hours later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX Thanks again for your valued advice.

Regarding this steroid treatment i had at 14....any chance it has caused DNA damage in any of my cells? And in non-renewable cells such as neurons?

Your advice would be valued and appreciated

Best Regards,

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Almost nil

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The oxandrolone treatment which you had was only for brief period. It is unikely to have caused any permanent damage to DNA. There are only few drugs which can cause such DNA damage like Chemotherapy drugs.
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (20 hours later)

Thanks again Dr XXXXXXX

Back to original question, just one last thing.

I read that in late juvenile period, Gnrh neurons show increased number of spiny dendrites meaning its maturing.

Does a course oxandrolone/testosterone, if taken while in this juvenile period, have ability to cause increase in spiny dendrites and 'mature' the neuron?

Your valued advice would be greatly appreaciated.

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX Wishing you all the best

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (36 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am not sure about it

Detailed Answer:

Good day and sincere apologies for the delay in reply. The question is a macromolecular level question which I will not be able to answer. To get that answer, you may need to talk to a physiologist or clinical scientist working in that field. As a clinician, I can't answer it.
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 days later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX Thanks for your valued advice.

One final thing. In case the drug had some growing effect on my heart's connective tissue - whats the turnover rate for all components of connective tissue?

Just so i can be at ease that new heart connective tissue is in place by now.

Thanks and Best Regards

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ACtive tissue.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, androgens would have exerted "some" positive effects on heart tissues as well.

Heart tissues are very active with high turn over rate. Androgen effect is minimal.
The renewal takes place on a continuous basis which is essential.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (3 days later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your valued advice, I am very glad you are here.

I have this ongoing anxiety about my hypothalamic-pituitary functionality. I know its dormant during juvenile period , but does this mean completely non functional ie the hypothalamus neurons are not producing even a trace of GnRH.

After my checkup, i was told i was in 'very early puberty' and my medical tests said 'gonadotropins are in pre-pubertal' range. But i have anxiety maybe the doctor got this wrong. and my gonadotropin test belonged to another child.

It is still somewhat functional throughout juvenile period right?

Sorry if we covered this before.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GNRH during puberty

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Throughout Life, the GNRH is produced. Bu before puberty, the levels are too low. Even n juvenile period, it is functional, but at very low levels and puberty doesnt start as long as GNRH is produced in significant levels.

Lab errors and mistakes are possible, but chances are too low.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (26 minutes later)

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

And and in juveniles, very low GnRH means very low gonadotropins and testosterone right?

Because I read boys ALWAYS have testosterone in their bodies but of course to varying degrees...Before adrenarche has occured, surely this very low level has to be attributed to gonadal source?

thanks and Best Regards

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Androgens

Detailed Answer:
you are right. low GnRH means low gonadotropins and testosterone. Boys always have testosterone and the levels will be low before puberty as you mentioned. Gonads produce maxiumum testosterone in boys and adrenal galnd contribute little as well. As mentioned, before adrenarche, the main source is from gonad itself.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar