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Ask the Experts about Fatigue and Anemia
INTENSE FATIGUE.
Feb 9, 2008
What's your opinion about the use of steroids in the same way and dosage a bodybuilder would use them in order to fight intense fatigue? Do they have any impact on CD4 count or HAART meds effect? Thanks in advance.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello,
"Intense fatigue" in the setting of HIV disease requires an intense evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Once the cause is determined, specific treatment can be recommended to address the problem. Often HIV-associated fatigue is multifactorial, which means there are multiple underlying causes working in tandem to zap your energy. A thorough investigation is warranted to identify all the potential contributing underlying factors. Specifically treating these underlying causes is much more desirable and effective than merely trying to treat the "symptom" of fatigue. That said, uncovering the underlying causes can be challenging and will take some cooperative detective work between you and your HIV specialist.
Take a read-through the archives of this forum to gain a better understanding of the common and not-so-common underlying causes of HIV-associated fatigue. Make a list of these conditions and discuss each with your HIV specialist.
As for using anabolic steroids, this would not be recommended or warranted (in you or the body builders for that matter) without specific medical justification. Wanting bigger bicepts doesn't qualify as justification. These potent agents can have significant toxicities and side effects, not the least of which is that they can turn off your body's own production of androgenic steroids. This can result in your low-hangers becoming the size of Tic Tacs. (Ever wonder why those big boy body builders have such small cojones?) Also, some steroids can suppress immune function. That would be the last thing someone with HIV needs. That said, there are some HIV-associated conditions that cause fatigue that are appropriately treated with certain specific types of steroids testosterone replacement for hypogonadism and steroid replacement for adrenal insufficiency.
Talk to your HIV specialist and come up with a plan for evaluating and treating your fatigue, OK?
Good luck. I hope your batteries are recharged soon.
Dr. Bob
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