The use of anabolic steroids is very widespread among young amateur athletes. A study reveals that it is the number one cause of atrophy of the genitals.
More and more medical consultations for genital hormone deficiency. What is called hypogonadism is not a recent phenomenon, but it has remained hidden for a long time. In recent years, notes a study published in the Journal of Urology of December, rather young men consult, and the consumption of steroids is often involved.
Build more and faster
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are derived from testosterone. They can increase muscle mass, but not without risk. These products act on hormones and suppress gonadotropins, hormones that stimulate the sex glands. This results in a very high risk of testicular atrophy, since the natural secretion of testosterone collapses. While these effects may be temporary, they sometimes last.
The study published in the Journal of Urology consists of two parts. The first, carried out on thousands of patients, focused on 97 patients suffering from major hypotestosteronemia (a testosterone deficit). It was most often testicular atrophy, but also total sterility. Half of the patients had used anabolic steroids.
A young, single man
To confirm this link between testicular atrophy and AAS consumption, the researchers then interviewed a cohort of 882 men with testicular atrophy. Among them, one in five admitted to consuming or having consumed steroids. The typical profile: a young, single man with a low socio-cultural level. Steroid consumption was ten times higher in men under 50, and the leading cause of testicular atrophy.
Steroids are considered doping products by sports organizations. Often banned, they are nonetheless available online. Amateurs often use it. This is the case in the bodybuilding community, which takes advantage of these cheaper anabolic products. Among the other side effects of these substances, head acne and water retention … but others more serious such as liver or colon cancer.
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