Androgens and Androgen Derivatives: Science, Myths, and Theories: Explored From a Special Operations Perspective

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Military Health
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use outside of medical necessity is a growing concern, particularly within military and Special Operations Forces (SOF) communities.
• Limited data exist on the prevalence and specific risks of AAS use within SOF, hindering effective risk-benefit analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the perceived increase in AAS use within SOF.
• To emphasize the need for understanding the scope of AAS use for informed decision-making by leadership and medical providers.
• To identify gaps in knowledge regarding the impact of AAS on military performance and the need for further research.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review and analysis of existing literature and inferred data regarding AAS use in military populations.
• It synthesizes current understanding of AAS risks and discusses the lack of performance-specific data.
• It calls for further research to inform risk-benefit assessments.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of AAS use may be increasing, with SOF identified as a population of concern.
• Well-documented general risks of AAS use exist, but specific data on military performance impacts are lacking.
• Myths and unsupported theories regarding AAS use persist within the community due to insufficient evidence.

Conclusions:

• Further research is crucial to define the potential benefits of AAS use against short- and long-term risks, especially concerning military performance.
• SOF medical providers need to be equipped with information to engage in meaningful discussions about AAS use with users and leadership.
• Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive understanding of the problem's scope and evidence-based strategies.