Study of recreational athletes using anabolic steroids

Cross-sectional Study of 1200 Recreational Athletes With Former or Current Use of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs, Focusing on Androgenic Anabolic Steroid

Observational Odense University Hospital · NCT05178537

This study looks at the health effects of anabolic steroids on recreational athletes who have been using these drugs for at least three months to see how it impacts their heart and overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOdense University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Odense)
Trial IDNCT05178537 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the health impacts of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) among recreational athletes who have used performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) for at least three months. The study will gather data on cardiovascular morbidity, androgen deficiency, and heart failure in this population, which has seen a significant rise in PIED usage. By focusing on recreational athletes, the research seeks to fill the gap in clinical data regarding the long-term effects of these substances, which are often acquired illicitly. The findings could provide valuable insights into the health risks associated with PIED use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are recreational athletes aged 18 and older who have used PIEDs, including AAS, for three months or more.

Not a fit: Patients who have never used performance and image enhancing drugs or are under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could inform better health guidelines and interventions for recreational athletes using anabolic steroids.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited clinical data on PIEDs, other observational studies have highlighted health risks associated with similar substances, suggesting potential relevance for this research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Recreational athletes (≥18 years of age) with current or former use of PIEDs, including AAS for ≥ 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

Odense

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular MorbidityAndrogen DeficiencyHeart Failurecardiovascular morbiditydopinganabolic steroids
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.