Severity and time-course of recovery from anabolic steroids
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Severity and time-course of recovery from anabolic steroids.
IRAS ID
323052
Contact name
Channa Jayasena
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (commonly known as 'steroids') are potent testosterone-like drugs. Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone needed for muscle growth, bone strength, fertility, and normal mood in men, and to a lesser extent, in women. Steroids copy the effects of testosterone and may be used illegally to increase muscle growth. The use of steroids is increasing worldwide with use highest in men aged 18-30 years old. Steroid use is associated with aggression, violence, severe mental illness, infertility, and masculinising features in women [Anawalt 2019, Abrahin 2017].
Many wish to stop using steroids and are often advised to abruptly stop. Steroids are known to suppress natural testosterone production in men. Suddenly stopping steroids causes severe symptoms of low testosterone (called hypogonadism) including depression, suicidal thoughts, tiredness, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido.
We know many of the hypogonadal symptoms reported when men stop using steroids, but we do not know how long men experience these for or how severe symptoms are. Understanding this would improve the treatment we provide to men stopping steroids. We aim to recruit 500 men who currently use steroids, have previously used steroids, or have never used steroids. We will ask them to complete a questionnaire about hypogonadal symptoms they are experiencing. The symptoms in this questionnaire are based on a systematic review we published [Sharma 2022]. We will then perform a blood test to measure testosterone and other reproductive hormone levels. This information will help us understand the changes in hypogonadal symptoms over time, allowing treatments to be developed to reduce hypogonadal symptoms.
Little is known about the effects of using and stopping steroids on women’s periods and reproductive hormone levels. We aim to recruit 150 women currently using steroids, previously used steroids or have never used steroids. We will ask them questions about their periods and then perform a blood test to measure reproductive hormone levels. This information will help us understand the changes that occur when women use and stop steroids.
Understanding the different effects of using and stopping steroids will allow clinicians and social care services to support affected men, women, and their families.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0124
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion