Patient discussions

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, hematologic, hormonal, and metabolic adverse effects.[40][61]​​​ Some hormone-induced changes (including hair distribution/baldness, voice depth, hirsutism, gynecomastia, clitoral hypertrophy, infertility, testicular atrophy, short stature in adolescents) may be permanent.[19][20]​ Needle sharing places patients at risk for contracting infectious diseases, including HIV and viral hepatitis.[38]​[42]​​

Individuals who wish to stop their AAS use are advised to avoid team mates and trainers who encourage steroid use. Creating a supportive social network, finding mechanisms for coping with stress, and finding ways to balance fitness with other activities will improve the likelihood of AAS abstinence.

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