Pearce-Ings

Steroid use in adolescents

Publish date: February 16, 2017

Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use in athletes is not a new topic. In fact, many teens can relate a story involving a famous athlete and use of a performance-enhancing drug and the consequences associated with it. Although published data do not support a significant increase in use of performance-enhancing drugs among adolescents,¹ more recent studies show that anabolic steroids are being found in nonprescription supplements, and their use among adolescents may be substantially underestimated.

Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so many of these products are easily found on the Internet and sold in local stores.^2,3 Some of these are marketed for increasing muscle mass, strength, and performance, which is appealing to the young athlete. Much of the marketing of these products minimize the side effects associated with their use and, therefore, most users are unaware of their harmful effects.

Dr. Francine Pearce

Approximately 5%-11% of teen athletes use AAS to improve physique and performance.³ Given its promotion for improved physique, many nonathletes also are turning to AAS for weight loss in both males and females. Side effects of steroid use are extrapolated from the data of therapeutic use, but most adolescents using steroids are not using under medical supervision. The dosing for building muscle mass uses a pyramid type dosing over a 6- to 12-week period and can be up to forty times the therapeutic dosing; therefore, the side effects can be greater than reported.^4,5 Common side effects of AAS are hypogonadism, gynecomastia, decreased sperm count and infertility, acne, and aggressiveness. Liver tumors and psychosis have been reported, and increased depressed mood have been identified with discontinuation of use.^4,6 Studies suggest that these side effects are reversible with discontinuation, but more studies are needed.^4,6

Given that many of the side effects are not identifiable on physical exam, pediatricians must be proactive in questioning adolescents about their knowledge and use of AAS. Testing for steroid use is difficult and not very sensitive. Urine test for carbon isotopes 13/12 is the most common test, but if not done within hours of ingestion it will not be detected. T/E test (testosterone/epitestosterone glucuronide) is another test, but also limited by the timing of the test.⁶ Home screening also is available but the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 guidelines warns against parents using these given the high false positive rate and risk of confrontation.⁷

Home and school screening may function more to deter athletes from using steroids to avoid consequences of being caught more than actually identifying use. If an athlete is suspected of using steroids, a test should be done. If negative, it should be repeated another time, as repeated testing is more likely to identify use. Studies have shown a correlation between steroid use and use of other illicit drugs so further screening should be done to identify if other drugs are being used.⁸

Widespread screening has not been shown to be cost effective and, therefore, should not be encouraged. Educating the patient on the risk of use and potential side effects along with healthy alternatives that improve performance and physique is much more effective.⁹ Being observant to signs and symptoms of AAS use helps to initiate conversation on the risk of using anabolic steroids.