An Overview of the Deadly Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Clinical Cases and Scientific Insights

• Published in: Quality in Sport 2025-01, Vol.37, p.57251
• Main Authors: Mossakowski, Maciej, Kaźmierczak, Martyna, Jajczak, Marta, Parys, Jakub, Mikosińska, Agnieszka, Kałuziak, Patrycja, Witek, Aleksandra, Litwin, Mateusz, Jesionek, Stanisław
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Androgenic-anabolic steroids; Androgenic-anabolic steroids abuse; health consequences of AAS; premature mortality
• ISSN: 2450-3118; 2450-3118
• DOI: 10.12775/QS.2025.37.57251

Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used for performance enhancement, but their misuse, particularly in bodybuilding and professional sports, poses significant health risks. While AAS have legitimate medical applications in treating certain hormonal disorders, abuse of these substances can lead to severe and often irreversible health consequences. Objective: The aim of this work was to highlight the health and life risks associated with AAS abuse, with a focus on the most common causes of death, based on example case reports and scientific studies. Materials and Methods: This review was based on scientific research and case reports obtained from the PubMed database using the following key terms: “androgenic anabolic steroids,” “androgenic anabolic steroids abuse,” and combinations of these with terms such as “premature death,” “sudden cardiac death,” “suicide,” “liver injury,” “renal failure,” and “health consequences.” Conclusion: AAS misuse can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, stroke, suicide and other complications. Clinical research stresses the importance of awareness, education, and medical supervision to prevent these risks, emphasizing the need for regulation and informed decision-making to protect individuals from harm.