November 2019

A Dutch research team recruited 111 men, at least 18 years old, intending to start a cycle of anabolic androgenic steroids. Baseline demographical data and reasons for anabolic androgenic steroids use were recorded. Subjects provided samples of anabolic androgenic steroids for analysis with UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.
19% had competed in bodybuilding competitions. Recent illicit drug use was reported by 56%. 77% of participants had used anabolic androgenic steroids in the past and 97% of them had experienced side effects. After exclusion, 100 men comprised the cohort for follow-up. The anabolic androgenic steroids cycle performed had a median duration of 13 weeks and the average dose of anabolic androgenic steroids equivalents was 901 mg per week. Subjects used other performance and image enhancing drugs such as growth hormone (21%). In total 272 anabolic androgenic steroids samples were analyzed and 47% contained the anabolic androgenic steroids indicated on the label. The principal reason for anabolic androgenic steroids use was gain of muscle mass (44%). 48% self-reported to being addicted to anabolic androgenic steroids.

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019 Oct 30. doi: 10.1111/sms.13592