Consequences of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse in Males; Sexual and Reproductive Perspective

Copyright © 2022 Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology..

The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. Chronic use of AAS, frequently combined with other illicit substances, can induce tremendous negative effects on the reproductive system, but it is also associated with an increased overall and cardiovascular mortality risk. In the present review we summarize and discuss the available evidence regarding the negative impact of AAS on the male reproductive system, providing practical suggestions to manage these problems. For this purpose a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of AAS abusers vs. controls on several hormonal, reproductive and metabolic parameters was performed. In addition, in order to overcome possible limitations related to the combined use of different AAS preparations, we also retrospectively re-analyzed data on animal models treated with supraphysiological dosage of testosterone (T), performed in our laboratory. Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect endogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2022

Erschienen:

2022

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:40

Enthalten in:

The world journal of men's health - 40(2022), 2 vom: 06. Apr., Seite 165-178

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Corona, Giovanni [VerfasserIn]
Rastrelli, Giulia [VerfasserIn]
Marchiani, Sara [VerfasserIn]
Filippi, Sandra [VerfasserIn]
Morelli, Annamaria [VerfasserIn]
Sarchielli, Erica [VerfasserIn]
Sforza, Alessandra [VerfasserIn]
Vignozzi, Linda [VerfasserIn]
Maggi, Mario [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Cardiovascular risk
Doping in sports
Hypogonadism
Infertility, gynecomastia
Journal Article
Review
Sperm
Testosterone congeners

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 14.04.2022

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.5534/wjmh.210021

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM327168277