Purpose Of Review: To summarize recent data on the adverse reproductive consequences of androgen abuse, focusing on the recovery of reproductive function following androgen discontinuation.
Recent Findings: Evidence is mostly based on case reports and observational studies. Androgen abuse leads to a state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with impaired spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia as well as menstrual irregularities, virilization and subfertility. Recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis following androgen withdrawal depends on the type and characteristics of androgen administration (dose, duration of use) as well as those of the user (age, previous reproductive function). Biochemical and clinical features of hypogonadism may be evident months or even years following androgen discontinuation. To prevent androgen-related adverse effects and accelerate recovery of gonadal function, users take androgens in a cyclical fashion and use drugs such as human chorionic gonadotropin, antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors, even though there is limited evidence to support efficacy of these strategies. As few studies refer to female androgen users, there is a lack of data concerning recovery from androgen-related reproductive side effects in women.
Summary: Androgen abuse has profound and commonly under-recognized effects on the reproductive system; recovery following androgen withdrawal may be prolonged and occasionally incomplete.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000406 | DOI Listing |
J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev
January 2025
From the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI (Singh and Daher), and the Department of Orthopedics, Brown University, Providence, RI (Dr. Diebo, Dr. Daniels, and Dr. Arcand).
Background: Whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can mitigate the risk of vertebral fractures has not been well-studied.
Methods: PearlDiver was queried to identify patients with and without the history of TRT. Groups were matched 1:1 by demographic variables and 2-year vertebral fracture incidence rate was compared.
Am J Sports Med
January 2025
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Background: Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are small-molecule compounds that exert agonist and antagonist effects on androgen receptors in a tissue-specific fashion. Because of their performance-enhancing implications, SARMs are increasingly abused by athletes. To date, SARMs have no Food and Drug Administration approved use, and recent case reports associate the use of SARMs with deleterious effects such as drug-induced liver injury, myocarditis, and tendon rupture.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNordisk Alkohol Nark
December 2024
Professor, Department of Welfare, Management and Organisation, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway.
Research has identified the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) as a gap between treatment needs and available facilities for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Norway. State policy emphasizes the need for measures to ensure coordinated treatment services. This study aims to explore whether clinical pathways of mental health and substance abuse and team-based organisation function as intended in the treatment of patients with AAS use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Public Health
December 2024
Department of Legal and Penitentiary Medicine, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.
A case of chronic intoxication by 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is reported in a 21-year-old bodybuilder, also known as an abuser of anabolic steroids, who died after ingesting 2 grams of this substance after 6 months of repeated consumption. The bodybuilder presented the triad of symptoms - tachycardia, tachypnoea, profuse sweating - from 6 months before his death, and was hospitalised for multiple organ failure 4 months before his death. Medical staff attributed this serious episode to his consumption of 2,4-DNP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLittle evidence based information exists in the medical literature on the mortality of abusers of anabolic androgenic steroids. These individuals range from competitive athletes and body builders to those whose who use physician prescribed mega-doses. Life insurance medical directors have little guidance on how to underwrite these individuals when presented with their applications.
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