Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Use Explored in 1200 Recreational Athletes
Background
Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs), particularly Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS) like testosterone and its synthetic derivatives, are widely used illicitly to boost physical strength, endurance, and achieve a muscular physique. These substances are known to carry significant health risks, including Cardiovascular Morbidity, Androgen Deficiency, and Heart Failure. While the general dangers are recognized, the specific effects of AAS on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in recreational athletes, a crucial hormonal pathway, remain underexplored.
Study Design
This ongoing cross-sectional study aims to investigate the health implications of PIEDs, with a specific focus on Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS). The overall project plans to enroll an estimated 1200 recreational athletes with current or former AAS use, starting in 2022 and completing by 2025. For a detailed comparison of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, a sub-analysis was designed to include 80 active AAS users (both male and female recreational athletes) and a control group of non-users. Participants are categorized based on their history of AAS use, allowing for a direct comparison of various physiological markers.