Oxandrolone and lipid profile changes in older women?

Posted by kayla_s in Safety & Side Effects - 2 points, 2 comments.

I started an older patient on a low dose of Oxandrolone to help with muscle wasting after a serious burn. I checked her lipids before and after a month of therapy. Her HDL dropped from 55 to 45, and there was a slight rise in LDL that alarmed aansluiten.

I didn’t see any obvious symptoms, but the numbers made me pause. I’m wondering if anyone else has seen a similar trend in women of similar age, or if you’ve had to adjust the dose or add a statin or dietary change to keep the lipid panel from shifting too far. Also, do you monitor other parameters like liver enzymes, or is lipid monitoring the main safety check?

Comments

• greg208: I’ve had a few older patients on low‑dose oxandrolone for sarcopenia. In my experience the HDL dip and a mild LDL climb isn’t uncommon – it’s the steroid’s effect on lipid metabolism. I don’t usually push a statin straight away; I first tweak diet – more omega‑3s, less refined carbs – and repeat the panel after 6‑8 weeks before adding meds. I also check ALT/AST each month; the liver is the real concern with any anabolic. If the enzymes stay flat and the patient feels fine, I’ll keep an eye on t
• kayla_s: Thanks for the quick response, greg208. I’ll start with the omega‑3 and cut back on refined carbs as you suggest and re‑check the panel in about 8 weeks. I’ll be measuring ALT/AST monthly just in case. Do you have a target dose of omega‑3 you find most effective?

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