Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:17
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Current Approaches to Support Patients to Withdraw From Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs
Elizabeth Hyams1, Bonnie Grant1, Richard Quinton1
1Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Clinical Endocrinology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is common in recreational athletes, causing significant health issues like hypogonadism and psychiatric disorders. Management requires multidisciplinary care, but more research is needed for effective, evidence-based treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs), particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are widely used by recreational athletes to enhance physical appearance and performance.
- Androgen abuse is linked to serious adverse effects, including cardiovascular, hepatic, and psychiatric disorders, as well as endocrine disruption like androgen-induced hypogonadism.
- Symptoms of androgen withdrawal, such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and sexual dysfunction, can persist long after cessation, complicating management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the adverse effects of androgen abuse and current management strategies for individuals experiencing harm.
- To highlight the complexity of androgen withdrawal and the need for multidisciplinary care.
- To emphasize the necessity for further research to develop evidence-based guidelines for managing androgen-related harm.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on IPEDs, androgen abuse, and their associated health consequences.
- Analysis of current clinical approaches, including cessation, 'watch-and-wait' strategies, and pharmacological interventions.
- Examination of the role of psychological support and harm-reduction services in managing androgen abuse.
Main Results:
- Androgen abuse is prevalent among recreational athletes, with significant risks including cardiovascular complications, liver dysfunction, and psychiatric disorders.
- Androgen-induced hypogonadism and persistent withdrawal symptoms pose considerable challenges to patient well-being.
- Current management strategies lack robust evidence, with variable treatment outcomes and a need for standardized guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of androgen abuse requires a non-judgmental, multidisciplinary approach prioritizing cessation and psychological support.
- Existing pharmacological interventions for androgen withdrawal are unlicensed and have uncertain efficacy.
- Further research is crucial to optimize evidence-based care and address the growing burden of androgen-related harm.
