From the Research
Anabolic steroids can cause leukocytosis, which is an increase in white blood cell count above the normal range, as evidenced by the stimulation of bone marrow production of white blood cells and the decreased margination of neutrophils from the circulation 1. The effect of anabolic steroids on white blood cell count is typically mild to moderate and dose-dependent, with higher doses and longer durations of steroid use generally associated with more pronounced elevations in white blood cell counts. Some key points to consider include:
- The mechanism behind this increase involves the stimulation of bone marrow production of white blood cells and the decreased margination of neutrophils from the circulation.
- Anabolic steroids can cause a redistribution of white blood cells from marginated pools into the circulating blood.
- This leukocytosis is generally reversible upon discontinuation of the steroids, with white blood cell counts typically returning to baseline within weeks to months after stopping use.
- While this elevation in white blood cells is often asymptomatic, it's essential to distinguish steroid-induced leukocytosis from leukocytosis caused by infection or other pathological conditions when evaluating patients with a history of anabolic steroid use. It's worth noting that the provided evidence primarily focuses on corticosteroids rather than anabolic steroids, but the underlying principle of steroid-induced leukocytosis can be applied to anabolic steroids as well, as seen in studies such as 2 and 3. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides valuable insights into the effects of corticosteroids on white blood cell count, which can be extrapolated to anabolic steroids. In clinical practice, it's crucial to consider the potential for anabolic steroids to cause leukocytosis and to monitor patients accordingly, especially when evaluating white blood cell counts in individuals with a history of anabolic steroid use.