Self-Reported Use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids by Elite Power Lifters

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance-enhancing drugs with potential health risks.
• Understanding AAS use patterns and attitudes is crucial for athlete health and sports integrity.
• Powerlifting, a strength sport, has historically been associated with AAS use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate attitudes, usage patterns, and perceived health effects of AAS among powerlifters.
• To estimate the prevalence of AAS use in a national powerlifting competition.
• To identify motivations for AAS use and commonly reported side effects.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 61 athletes at the 1987 US Powerlifting Federation National Championship.
• A follow-up telephone interview was conducted with a subset of competitors.
• Data collected included AAS attitudes, usage history, reasons for use, and experienced side effects.

Main Results:

• Of 45 survey respondents, 15 (33.3%) admitted to AAS use.
• In a telephone interview with 20 competitors, 11 (55%) reported previous AAS use.
• Primary motivation for use was improved athletic performance; common side effects were heightened libido, acne, and increased body hair.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests significant underreporting of AAS use among powerlifters.
• Reported AAS use likely represents a lower bound of actual prevalence in this population.
• Findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and education regarding AAS in strength sports.