Men who use anabolic steroids to achieve a muscular physique may be putting their reproductive health at serious risk, with long-lasting damage to testosterone and sperm production, even after they stop using the drugs, according to a new study.
Persistent Testicular Dysfunction
The research, led by Dr. Jon Rasmussen from Rigshospitalet, a specialized hospital affiliated with the University of Copenhagen, found that anabolic steroid use can result in prolonged impairment of testicular function.
“It’s been unclear whether anabolic steroids cause permanent harm to testosterone production,” Rasmussen said. “But our findings suggest lasting dysfunction, and I urge anyone considering these drugs not to use them. The adverse effects on multiple organs, including the testicles, could be life-threatening.”
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone. They disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis, impairing testosterone production and reducing fertility. These drugs are also associated with several other health risks, such as:
Shrinking of the testicles
Low testosterone levels
Decreased libido and poor erections
Hair loss and breast growth
Reduced sperm counts
Majority of Users Aren’t Athletes
“A common misconception is that anabolic steroid abuse is limited to elite athletes,” explained Dr. Shalender Bhasin, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “In reality, over 90% of users are recreational bodybuilders—people who want to look more muscular, not athletes aiming to enhance performance.”
Study Highlights Long-Term Risks
The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, monitored 132 men aged 18 to 50 who engaged in recreational strength training. They were divided into three groups:
Never used steroids
Currently using steroids
Former users who quit nearly three years earlier
To assess testicular function, researchers used a hormone marker called serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), which is produced by the same cells that make testosterone. Even years after quitting, former users had significantly lower INSL3 levels compared to those who never used steroids.
“The longer men used steroids, the worse the impairment,” Rasmussen noted. “This confirms that gonadal dysfunction can persist for years, and in some cases, recovery may never occur.”
The study reinforces that steroid use carries severe long-term consequences. As Bhasin highlighted, “This research aligns with clinical observations—prolonged anabolic steroid use can cause irreversible testicular damage, and stopping use doesn’t guarantee full recovery.”
If you’re considering steroids for bodybuilding, experts strongly advise against it. The risks to your health and reproductive system are not worth the temporary aesthetic benefits.
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