Anabolic steroids purchased on the Internet as a cause of prolonged hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to the chronic abuse of anabolic steroids purchased over the Internet.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Endocrinology unit of the University of Brescia.


METHODS
A 34-year-old man.


METHODS
A single dose (100 μg) of triptorelin (triptorelin test).


METHODS
Clinical symptoms, androgen normalization, levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.


RESULTS
Within 1 month, the patient's serum testosterone was in the normal range, and he reported a return to normal energy and libido.


CONCLUSIONS
The World Anti-Doping Code has proved to be a very powerful and effective tool in the harmonization of antidoping efforts worldwide, but it is insufficient to combat this illegal phenomenon. To tackle the serious side effects caused by doping we believe that it is necessary to increase monitoring and adopt severe sanctions, particularly with regard to Internet sites.
Pirola
Ilenia
I
Internal Medicine and Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Cappelli
Carlo
C
Delbarba
Andrea
A
Scalvini
Tiziano
T
Agosti
Barbara
B
Assanelli
Deodato
D
Bonetti
Antonio
A
Castellano
Maurizio
M
D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004300:Doping in Sports; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000627:therapeutic use
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D013256:Steroids; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate