Side effects of anabolic androgenic steroids abuse

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine Vol. 29; no. 8; p. 679
• Main Authors: Bonetti, A, Tirelli, F, Catapano, A, Dazzi, D, Dei Cas, A, Solito, F, Ceda, G, Reverberi, C, Monica, C, Pipitone, S, Elia, G, Spattini, M, Magnati, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-08-2008
• Subjects: Adult; Anabolic Agents - administration & dosage; Anabolic Agents - adverse effects; Analysis of Variance; Androgens - administration & dosage; Androgens - adverse effects; Chi-Square Distribution; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Self Administration; Statistics, Nonparametric; Weight Lifting
• ISSN: 0172-4622
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965808

Long-term side effects of high doses of anabolic androgenic steroids self-administration were evaluated in this study. Twenty male bodybuilders, voluntarily starting steroid self-administration, were followed every 6 months over 2 years. Physical examination, haematological, metabolic and endocrine variables, semen analysis, hepatic and prostate ultrasound and echocardiographic evaluations were performed. LH values (baseline 3.43 +/- 1.75) were suppressed at 18 (1.98 +/- 1.99) (p = 0.026) and 24 (2.43 +/- 2.17) (p = 0.026), and FSH (3.95 +/- 2.01) at 6 (3.01 +/- 2.16) (p = 0.031), 12 (2.45 +/- 2.54) (p = 0.029), 18 (2.02 +/- 2.29) (p = 0.032) and 24 (3.42 +/- 2.64) (p = 0.032) months and SHBG (34.11 +/- 10.88) values significantly lowered at 12 (24.81 +/- 12.49) (p < 0.05), 18 (21.28 +/- 11.15) (p < 0.01), 24 months (25.42 +/- 11.16) (p < 0.01). A significant decrease in spermatozoa count (p < 0.01), and fertility index (p = 0.01) occurred. HDL-cholesterol (baseline 56.94 +/- 13.54) was reduced at 18 (41.86 +/- 14.17) (p < 0.01) and 24 (43.82 +/- 18.67) (p < 0.05) months and Apo A-1 at 12 (p < 0.001), 18 (p = 0.05) and 24 (p = 0.05) months. The most important long-term adverse effects were lower fertility and the impairment of lipid profile associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.