Are statins worth using in bodybuilding
In the realm of cardiovascular health, statins have emerged as a controversial yet widely prescribed class of drugs. These cholesterol-lowering medications have sparked debates among healthcare professionals and patients alike, raising questions about their efficacy, potential benefits and potential side-effects.
After reading this Inner Sanctum article, you will understand what statins are, how they work, how they can benefit enhanced bodybuilders, what their adverse effects are and whether they are worth using or not.
What are statins and how do they work?
Statins, formally known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are pharmaceuticals designed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They achieve this by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase enzyme) ultimately reducing the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This action reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream, thereby preventing the formation of plaques in arteries and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis.
Benefits for enhanced bodybuilders
It is no secret that enhanced bodybuilders are in an almost constant state of dyslipidemia [Low HDL (good) cholesterol and High LDL (bad) cholesterol] due to their use of Anabolic Steroids, SARMs and other PEDs which can skew the lipid panel.
Statins make sense for an enhanced bodybuilder, because they can prevent and reverse dyslipidemia both on and off cycle. But are they the best option if we consider the risks? Let’s find out…
Potential dangers
Despite their widespread use, statins are not without controversy and potential risks. Common side-effects range from mild muscle pain to more severe conditions like rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious muscle disorder.
Additionally, there is concerning evidence regarding the negative long-term impact of statins on cognitive function (memory loss, confusion) and the potential for increased blood sugar levels (which can cause diabetes).
Other potential side-effects include:
- Elevated liver enzymes, something that does not pair very well with the use of oral PEDs.
- Digestive issues like diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.
- Joint pain and arthritis-like symptoms.
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
- Peripheral neuropathy, which manifests itself in the form of numbness and tingling of the extremities.
Statin comparison
There are many types of statins, with the most common ones being Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Fluvastatin, Lovastatin and Pravastatin.
According to comparison studies, the most potent statins are Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin, whereas the safest ones are Simvastatin and Pravastatin (which are also some of the weakest).
When I consider all the potential side-effects of statins, I personally do not think they are the best treatment for dyslipidemia in bodybuilders.
Firstly, dyslipidemia can be mitigated by using safe and proven natural supplements like Krill Oil, Citrus Bergamot and CoQ10 during and after every cycle/blast. As long as one takes a good enough break between cycles and blasts, the dyslipidemia can be reversed and its long-term implications prevented.
In cases where the use of these natural cholesterol-lowering supplements is not enough, I would personally recommend something like Ezetimibe because it appears to be much safer than most statins, while being just as effective (if not more) at treating dyslipidemia.
