The data of the present case demonstrate that the abuse of
androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) may lead to serious health effects. Although
most clinical attention is usually directed towards peripheral side effects,
the most serious central side effect, hypothalamic-pituitary-dysfunction, is
often overlooked in severe cases. Although this latter central side-effect
usually recovers spontaneously when AAS intake is discontinued, the present
case shows that spontaneous recovery does not always take place. We suggest
that hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction should always be considered in the
differential diagnosis in athletes seen with typical presentation of anabolic
steroid use. In order to regain normal hypothalamic-pituitary function,
supraphysiological doses of 200 μg LH-RH should be considered when
the physiological challenge test with LH-RH (50 μg) fails to show an
acceptable response.
Key words
Hypogonadism - high dose LHRH-treatment - body building - drug abuse
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Dr. E. van Breda
Dept. Movement Sciences · Maastricht University,
P. O. Box 616 · 6200 MD Maastricht · Netherland
·
Phone: +31 43 3881318
Fax: +31 43 3670972
Email: eric.vanbreda@bw.unimaas.nl
