Steroid abuse in athletes, prostatic enlargement and bladder outflow obstruction--is there a relationship?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of exogenous androgenic-anabolic steroids on the human prostate gland.


METHODS
A white male athlete, who was routinely using anabolic steroids, volunteered for the study. He was studied during a 15-week period of steroid self-administration. Both objective and subjective parameters were measured, including: prostatic volume (transrectal ultrasound), digital rectal examination, urine flow rate, serum acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen, symptom scoring for bladder outflow obstruction and other associated symptoms.


RESULTS
During the period of steroid self-administration, prostatic volume increased and urine flow rate decreased. The man also noticed an increase in nocturnal urinary frequency, libido and aggression.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study, the administration of exogenous androgenic-anabolic steroids has been demonstrated to have profound effects on the human prostate gland, including an increase in prostatic volume, reduction in urine flow rate and an alteration in voiding patterns. These findings warrant further investigation.
Wemyss-Holden
S A
SA
Department of Urology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Hamdy
F C
FC
Hastie
K J
KJ
D000374:Aggression; D045930:Anabolic Agents; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013177:Sports; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014554:Urination
D045930:Anabolic Agents