Predictors of Ongoing Androgen Abuse. A Prospective 2-year Follow up of 100 Male Androgen Abusers

The abuse of androgens is common among visitors to fitness centers. Prospective data regarding patterns of androgen abuse and predictors of future use are not well studied.

This is a 2-year prospective observational cohort study among 100 male androgen abusers. The median age of the subjects was 31 years (range, 19-67 years). Participants were meticulously characterized and observed for 1 year before, during, and after the use of a cycle of androgens. They remained in follow-up for a second year to study subsequent androgen abuse. Using multivariable regression analysis we aimed to identify baseline sociodemographic factors and cycle characteristics that would predict future androgen abuse.

Ninety-seven (97%) men completed the second year of follow-up. Sixty-three subjects (65%) abused androgens again and 16 (16%) for the entire duration of the second year. The variables that were positively associated with the cumulative time of androgen abuse during the 2 years of follow-up were historical cumulative androgen exposure and the intention to take part in bodybuilding competitions. Cycle duration in year 1 and training time at baseline were positively associated with repeated use in year 2. Cycle duration in the first year was also positively associated with the cumulative time of androgen abuse in the second year. For all the other investigated baseline variables and cycle characteristics, no associations with future use were found.

The results of this study support the assumption that body building competitions are a driver for androgen abuse. Most androgen abusers use androgens repeatedly. The factors that predict future androgen abuse may assist in harm reduction strategies that aim to minimize long-term health problems in androgen abusers.