Clinical experiences of finnish physicians with individuals using anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-medical purposes: A qualitative interview study

Objectives The non-medical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is associated with multiple physical and mental health problems. The three objectives of this qualitative study were 1) to define the types of health problems that people who use AAS for non-medical purposes experience, based on the clinical observations of Finnish physicians working in different medical specialties, 2) to define the characteristics of Finnish people who use AAS for non-medical reasons, and 3) to describe how they are treated. Design and methods Data were collected through structured interviews completed by eight physicians and analyzed via thematic analysis. Results This analysis suggests that the Finnish people who use AAS for non-medical reasons often experience endocrinological problems, particularly involving the reproductive system. Cardiovascular problems and psycho-behavioral alterations were also observed. The most severe reported adverse effect associated with AAS use was a stroke in a young male patient. While the typical person using AAS was a 20–40-year-old male with an interest in strength training, other profiles were also observed, particularly individuals with a background of non-medical use of other substances or a criminal history. Treatments were reported primarily as symptom based. Conclusions The results indicate that more research is needed to clarify the range of possible adverse effects attributable to non-medical AAS use, identify optimal ways to treat people who use AAS, and find ways to help them manage their use. Moreover, more strategies to prevent non-medical AAS use are needed in the future.