A growing number of reports of anabolic-androgenic streroid (AS) use in Great Britain
(GB) among non-competitive groups have emerged since the beginning of 1990s. A study
was commissioned by the Departments of Health for England, Scotland and Wales, to
explore the extent and uses of AS from the public health point of view. As a part
of a wider investigation into AS use, 21 gymnasia in England, Scotland and Wales were
surveyed by questionnaire. The response rate was 59 %. We found that of the 1667 participants,
9.1 % of the men and 2.3 % of the women had taken AS at some time and 6 % of the men
and 1.4 % of the women were current users. Considerable variation in the prevalence
of use was found, ranging from no reports in three of the gymnasia, up to 46 %. We
also investigated patterns of AS use and perceived side-effects in a wide-ranging
group of AS users (n = 110), who were recruited through social networks. In-depth
interviews with the users revealed that the 97 men (27 ± 7 years) and 13 women (25
± 5 years) had been using AS regularly for 2.05 ± 1.7 years and 1.9 + 2 years, respectively.
Seventy-two injected AS. While most injected themselves, 25 % were mainly injected
by their friend. Up to 16 different drugs were taken by interviewees during the present
or last cycle. Polydrug use was common and dosage taken exceeded therapeutic recommendations.
Sixteen interviewees did not report side-effects, while the majority reported two
or more. Many of these were cosmetic. Of the 97 men interviewed, 56 % reported testicular
atrophy, 52 % gynaecomastia, 36 % elevated blood pressure, 56 % fluid retention, 26
% injuries to tendons, 22 % nosebleeds and 16 % more frequent colds. Six men reported
problems with kidney function and five with liver function. Problems with sleep were
reported by 37 %. Of the 13 women interviewed, eight reported menstrual irregularities,
eight fluid retention, four clitoral enlargement, three decreased breast size and
two elevated blood pressure. Four reported sleeplessness.
Key words
Anabolic steroids - prevalence - side-effects
