Investigating the risks of anabolic steroid use in fitness communities in Denmark
Official title: Prospective, Longitudinal Study of 800 Recreational Athletes With Current and Former Use of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIED), Focusing on Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS) - Rigshospitalet
Run by Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet · NCT05599438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the long-term health risks of using anabolic steroids among recreational athletes in Denmark to see how it affects their heart, diabetes, reproductive health, and mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 14, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2040 |
| Registry record updated | February 15, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05599438 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include male and female recreational athletes aged 18 and older who have used anabolic steroids illicitly for at least four weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric or somatic diseases that prevent informed consent or compliance, as well as pregnant individuals, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the long-term health risks associated with anabolic steroid use among recreational athletes in Denmark. It will assess complications related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, reproductive health, and psychological well-being through a combination of medical interviews, physical examinations, questionnaires, and biological sampling. The study seeks to characterize both male and female users of anabolic steroids and understand the broader implications of their use, including potential therapeutic needs. By utilizing data from Danish registries, the research will provide insights into the health outcomes of individuals involved in fitness doping.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of health risks associated with anabolic steroid use, ultimately guiding better therapeutic interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on fitness doping in Denmark, similar studies on anabolic steroid use have shown significant health risks and complications, indicating a need for further investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Male and female recreational athletes (≥18 years of age) with current or former illicit use (\>3 months since AAS cessation) of PIEDs (e.g. AAS) for a minimum four weeks Inclusion Criteria (Controls, n = 100): \- Male (n=80) or female (n=20) recreational athletes (≥18 years of age) with NO current or former illicit use of AAS. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe psychiatric or somatic diseases which makes it impossible to give informed consent or comply with the investigatory program. * Known pregnancy.
Where it's running
-
Rigshospitalet
Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caroline M Kistorp, Professor — Centre for Cancer and Organ Disease, Department for Medical Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet
- Study coordinator: Caroline M Kistorp, Professor
- Email: caroline.michaela.kistorp@regionh.dk
- Phone: 004535459642
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.