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Journal of General Internal Medicine
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine 7/2021

01-07-2021 | Testosterone | Review

Harm Reduction in Male Patients Actively Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): a Review

Authors: Alex K. Bonnecaze, MD, Thomas O’Connor, MD, Cynthia A. Burns, MD

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 7/2021

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Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) and performance-enhancing drug (PED) use is a prevalent medical issue, especially among men, with an estimated 2.9–4 million Americans using AAS in their lifetime. Prior studies of AAS use reveal an association with polycythemia, dyslipidemia, infertility, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and multiple behavioral disorders. AAS withdrawal syndrome, a state of depression, anhedonia, and sexual dysfunction after discontinuing AAS use, is a common barrier to successful cessation. Clinical resources for these patients and training of physicians on management of the patient using AAS are limited. Many men are hesitant to seek traditional medical care due to fear of judgment and lack of confidence in physician knowledge base regarding AAS. While proposed approaches to weaning patients off AAS are published, guidance on harm reduction for actively using patients remains sparse. Medical education regarding the management of AAS use disorder is paramount to improving care of this currently underserved patient population. Management of these patients must be non-judgmental and focus on patient education, harm reduction, and support for cessation. The approach to harm reduction should be guided by the specific AAS/PEDs used.
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Metadata
Title
Harm Reduction in Male Patients Actively Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): a Review
Authors
Alex K. Bonnecaze, MD
Thomas O’Connor, MD
Cynthia A. Burns, MD
Publication date
01-07-2021
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Keyword
Testosterone
Published in
Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-021-06751-3

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