Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids in Weight-Trained Men

In brief: This study documents the patterns of use of anabolic steroids in 32 body builders and power lifters. These subjects and seven control athletes who had never used steroids were interviewed and underwent a medical examination including 28 diagnostic blood tests and a urinalysis. Gynecomastia was detected in 4 of the 20 current users and 1 of the other 19 subjects. Sixty-seven percent of users reported temporary changes in libido, and 56% reported a temporary increase in irritability or aggressive behavior. Physicians should tell patients about the possible adverse side effects of such agents.