The Impact of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse on Fertility Hormones of Male Bodybuilders

Abstract

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse has significant detrimental effects on male fertility, mainly through its influence on hormonal balance. This study aims to investigate the impact of AAS abuse on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and associated fertility hormones in male bodybuilders. Sixty participants were divided into two groups: 30 individuals with a self-reported history of AAS abuse and 30 control participants. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for total testosterone levels, estradiol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The AAS group showed significantly elevated levels of total testosterone (11.5 ± 1.1 ng/ml) and estradiol (34 ± 3.2 pg/ml), along with increased prolactin levels (3.4 ± 0.16 ng/ml) when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, LH levels (0.38 ± 0.1 mlU/ml) and FSH levels (1.01 ± 0.08 mlU/ml) were significantly decreased in the AAS group (P < 0.005). The abuse of AAS causes hormonal imbalances that can severely affect reproductive health and lead to male sterility. However, these issues can be prevented through awareness, education, and proactive strategies targeted at bodybuilders.