Side Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Abuse

Abstract

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.

Key words

anabolic androgenic steroids - bodybuilders - side effects - doping

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