Prolonged use of anabolic steroids in males can lead to

Options

A. decrease in the size testis and prostate gland
B. increase in the size testis and prostate gland
C. decrease in the size testis but increase in the size of prostate gland.
D. increase in the size testis but decrease in the size of prostate gland.

Answer

To solve the question "Prolonged use of anabolic steroids in males can lead to?", we need to analyze the effects of anabolic steroids on male physiology, particularly focusing on the testis and prostate gland.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Anabolic Steroids**:
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. They are often used to enhance muscle mass and athletic performance.

2. **Effects on Hormonal Regulation**:
- Prolonged use of anabolic steroids can disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the body. Specifically, they can inhibit the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.

3. **Impact on Pituitary Gland**:
- The decrease in GnRH leads to reduced secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones are crucial for the normal functioning of the testes.

4. **Consequences on Testes**:
- With lower levels of LH, the testes produce less testosterone. This reduction in testosterone production can lead to a decrease in the size of the testes (testicular atrophy).

5. **Effects on Prostate Gland**:
- On the other hand, anabolic steroids can lead to an increase in the size of the prostate gland due to the effects of excess testosterone and its metabolites.

6. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Option 1: Decrease in the size of the testis and prostate gland - Incorrect (prostate size increases).
- Option 2: Increase in size of testis and prostate gland - Incorrect (testis size decreases).
- Option 3: Decrease in the size of the testis but increase in the size of the prostate gland - Correct.
- Option 4: Increase in the size of testis but decrease in the size of prostate gland - Incorrect (testis size decreases).

7. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is option 3: "Decrease in the size of the testis but increase in the size of the prostate gland."