Adverse Effects of Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
Probable or Proven | Not Well Shown |
|---|---|
Dermatologic effects : Acne, alopecia, virilization, voice changes, and hirsutism in females, Cardiovascular: Hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, impaired ventricular function (systolic and diastolic), dyslipidemia (decreased HDL, increased LDL) Endocrine: Male gonadal suppressionn (decreased sperm count, testicular atrophy, subfertility/infertility), gynecomastia, abnormal menstrual cycle Hematologic: Erythrocytosis, thromboembolism Hepatic: Peliosis hepatitis, adenoma Musculoskeletal: Premature closure of epiphyses, tendon/ligament ruptures Neuropsychiatric: (at high doses) manic or hypomanic behavior, aggressiveness, irritability, decreased sexual drive Renal: Proteinuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, fluid retention | Cardiovascular: Increased risk of sudden death in athletes Genitourinary: Testicular cancer, prostate cancer, prostatic hypertrophy Hepatic: Hepatic carcinoma Endocrine: Decreased glucose tolerance, thyroid dysfunction Neuropsychiatric: Cognitive deficits, significant mood disorder at low doses |
HDL = high-density lipoprotein; LDL = low-density lipoprotein;. | |
Data from Bond P, Smit DL, de Ronde W. Anabolic-androgenic steroids: How do they work and what are the risks? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:1059473. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.1059473; Kersey RD, Elliot DL, Goldberg L, et al. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: anabolic-androgenic steroids. J Athl Train 2012;47(5):567-588. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.5.08; Mingxing L, Yanfei Y. Adverse Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse in Athletes and Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Subst Use Misuse. Published online February 13, 2025. doi:10.1080/10826084.2025.2460986; Nieschlag E, Vorona E. Doping with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS): Adverse effects on non-reproductive organs and functions. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2015;16(3):199-211. doi:10.1007/s11154-015-9320-5; and Smit DL, Buijs MM, de Hon O, den Heijer M, de Ronde W. Positive and negative side effects of androgen abuse. The HAARLEM study: A one-year prospective cohort study in 100 men. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021;31(2):427-438. doi:10.1111/sms.13843 | |