Int J Sports Med 2003; 24(3): 195-196
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39089
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Use and Severe Hypothalamic-Pituitary Dysfunction: a Case Study

E.  van Breda1 , H. A.  Keizer1 , H.  Kuipers1 , B. H. R.  Wolffenbuttel2
  • 1 Department of Movement Sciences , Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
  • 2 Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History



Accepted after revision: September 10, 2002

Publication Date:
12 May 2003 (online)

The data of the present case demonstrate that the abuse of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) may lead to serious health effects. Although most clinical attention is usually directed towards peripheral side effects, the most serious central side effect, hypothalamic-pituitary-dysfunction, is often overlooked in severe cases. Although this latter central side-effect usually recovers spontaneously when AAS intake is discontinued, the present case shows that spontaneous recovery does not always take place. We suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in athletes seen with typical presentation of anabolic steroid use. In order to regain normal hypothalamic-pituitary function, supraphysiological doses of 200 μg LH-RH should be considered when the physiological challenge test with LH-RH (50 μg) fails to show an acceptable response.

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Dr. E. van Breda

Dept. Movement Sciences · Maastricht University,

P. O. Box 616 · 6200 MD Maastricht · Netherland ·

Phone: +31 43 3881318

Fax: +31 43 3670972

Email: eric.vanbreda@bw.unimaas.nl