John Ziegler (1920–1983)
Within years after the isolation of testosterone and its synthesis in 1935, unconfirmed reports surfaced that German scientists were testing testosterone derivatives to improve the fighting capability of their soldiers. During and after World War II, these drugs were given by the Allies to promote weight gain in concentration camp survivors and malnourished soldiers. Testosterone was found to have two general effects: anabolic effects that increase muscle mass and decrease body fat and androgenic effects that promote sexual characteristics and function.
John Ziegler, a Ciba Pharmaceuticals physician, was instrumental in the development of Dianabol (methandrosterolone), a synthetic compound that had far greater relative anabolic effects than testosterone. The medals gained and records set by East German swimmers from the late 1960s to 1980s have been attributed to their use of Dianabol-like anabolic steroids (AS). In response to why many of their swimmers had deep voices, the East German coach replied, “We came here to swim, not sing.” Although AS use has been banned in most sports, a number of outstanding athletes and body builders have been found using these drugs to enhance performance.
Illicit laboratories have attempted to design drugs, such as “The Clear” (tetrahydrogestrinone), that remain undetected in urine. There are six to eight AS on the legal market, including Anadrol, Durabolin, and Halotestin, but many more are manufactured in clandestine labs in the United States and abroad. Users obtain them from underground sources, websites, and health food stores.
Regular use of AS is not without hazard. They can elevate levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, produce liver toxicity and masculinization of female users, and cause mood disorders and behavioral changes such as “roid rage” and depression.
AS are classified in Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act, the most restrictive class for drugs with approved medical uses. Approved AS uses include increasing muscle mass in individuals with such wasting diseases as AIDS and cancer.
SEE ALSO Testosterone (1935), Off-Label Drug Use (1962).
Notwithstanding the potential danger they risk by using anabolic steroids, some body builders continue to supplement their weight training with Dianabol and related drugs.