Health effects of androgen abuse: a review of the HAARLEM study

Smit, Diederik L.; Bond, Peter; Ronde, Willem de

doi:10.1097/med.0000000000000759

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Creatinine concentrations returned to baseline after cessation of use. Albuminuria, as measured by dipstick analysis, emerged or increased in 16% of the subjects (155). A larger increase in serum creatinine levels was observed in a small 4-week placebo-controlled trial with resistance-trained men randomized to 330 mg daily of the oral prohormone 3bhydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-17-one (1-androsterone) or placebo (38).…”

Section: Nephrotoxicitymentioning

confidence: 98%

Anabolic–androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks?

Bond¹,

Smit

Ronde

2022

Front. Endocrinol.

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Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are a class of hormones that are widely abused for their muscle-building and strength-increasing properties in high, nontherapeutic, dosages. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview on how these hormones work and what side effects they might elicit. We discuss how AAS are absorbed into the circulation after intramuscular injection or oral ingestion and how they are subsequently transported to the tissues, where they will move into the extravascular compartment and diffuse into their target cells. Inside these cells, AAS can biotransform into different metabolites or bind to their cognate receptor: the androgen receptor. AAS and their metabolites can cause side effects such as acne vulgaris, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, dyslipidemia, testosterone deficiency, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, and cardiomyopathy. Where applicable, we mention treatment options and self-medication practices of AAS users to counteract these side effects. Clinicians may use this review as a guide for understanding how AAS use can impact health and to assist in patient education and, in some cases, the management of side effects.

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Section: Nephrotoxicitymentioning

confidence: 98%

Anabolic–androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks?

Bond¹,

Smit

Ronde

2022

Front. Endocrinol.

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“…Most of the evidence about the effects of AAS on urological and andrological parameters comes from controlled environmental settings, such as administering a single AAS compound under a known dosage ( Bond et al, 2022 ). However, the abovementioned situation does not reflect the reality of most AAS abusers, who usually adopt a polypharmacy strategy to maximize physical performance gains while counteracting any harmful and undesired aesthetic side effects ( Smit et al, 2020 ; Bond et al, 2022 ; Smit et al, 2022 ). For example, recent findings ( Smit et al, 2020 ) have demonstrated that AAS users may utilize a median of five different AAS substances during the cycle (i.e., period of AAS usage), with a range of one to eleven different substances, totaling a median of 901 mg of testosterone per week (i.e., range 250–3,382 mg) over 13 weeks of AAS-cycle duration (i.e., range 2–52 weeks).…”

Section: Brief Background and Current Characteristics Of Aas Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Abusive use of anabolic androgenic steroids, male sexual dysfunction and infertility: an updated review

Azevedo,

Gualano,

Teixeira

et al. 2024

Front. Toxicol.

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The evolving prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse among nonathletes is alarming because of the known harm to an individual’s health. Among the adverse effects of AAS abuse, male infertility and sexual dysfunction have been often reported in the literature, but little is known regarding its actual prevalence, possible underpinning mechanisms, and potential treatments either during or post-AAS usage. Thus, the current narrative review summarizes the state-of-art regarding the effects of AAS on male fertility and sexual function. Evidence was gathered from the latest reviews and recent original studies, specifically from prospective cohorts and clinical trials, ultimately resulting in five main topics of discussion. First, AAS usage is briefly characterized by its historical background, main physiological mechanisms, and the most frequently used AAS substances. Second, data on the prevalence of AAS-induced male infertility and sexual dysfunction are described. Third, some new insights on possible underpinning mechanisms of AAS-induced male infertility and sexual dysfunction are thoroughly discussed, with particular attention to histological data derived from animal models and the latest insights from prospective cohorts in humans. Fourth, the potential treatments during and after the AAS usage are presented, highlighting the odds of resolving male infertility and sexual dysfunction. Fifth, future directions on this topic are discussed, focusing on the methodological robustness of scientific studies.

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“…It was not long ago that those abusing androgens were told that they were not actually effective [ 90 ], while the risks of their use and abuse may have been exaggerated [ 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ]. Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged that potential risks with long-term abuse exist, especially with respect to adverse cardiovascular effects [ 96 ], while the health effects associated with long-term TRT use are still being investigated [ 97 ].…”

Section: Observational Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Misadventures in Toxicology: Concentration Matters for Testosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity

Willson¹

2023

Toxics

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Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and has important physiological functions. Due to declining testosterone levels from a variety of causes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is increasingly utilized, while testosterone is also abused for aesthetic and performance-enhancing purposes. It has been increasingly speculated that aside from more well-established side effects, testosterone may cause neurological damage. However, the in vitro data utilized to support such claims is limited due to the high concentrations used, lack of consideration of tissue distribution, and species differences in sensitivity to testosterone. In most cases, the concentrations studied in vitro are unlikely to be reached in the human brain. Observational data in humans concerning the potential for deleterious changes in brain structure and function are limited by their inherent design as well as significant potential confounders. More research is needed as the currently available data are limited; however, what is available provides rather weak evidence to suggest that testosterone use or abuse has neurotoxic potential in humans.

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Health effects of androgen abuse: a review of the HAARLEM study

Cited by 14 publications

References 19 publications

Anabolic–androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks?

Anabolic–androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks?

Abusive use of anabolic androgenic steroids, male sexual dysfunction and infertility: an updated review

Misadventures in Toxicology: Concentration Matters for Testosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity

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