Qualitative Description of the Prevalence and Use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids by United States Powerlifters

Abstract

Powerlifters have been suspected to be a population wherein use of anabolic androgenic steroids is prevalent (Yesalis, Herrick, & Buckley, 1988). To access commentary from these athletes on issues related to these drugs and the effectiveness of doping controls, a survey was developed. From 28 U.S. Powerlifting Team members who competed internationally since 1988, 26 were contacted by mail, and 15 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire solicited yes/no responses and qualitative descriptions about current and previous use of anabolic androgenic steroids in powerlifting. Analysis indicated that ten U.S. Powerlifting Team members admitted to using these drugs, and five athletes admitted to beating the International Olympic Committee's doping control procedures. Reported use of anabolic androgenic steroids by these athletes was consistent with data presented by Yesalis, et al. and illustrated continued discrepancy between admitted use of these drugs prior to or during national and international events and the lack of reported positive test data. Discussion focused on the value of this study to elicit in an athlete's own words commentary specific to the use of anabolic androgenic steroids and the need for more effective doping controls.

Cardiac and Metabolic Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse on Lipids, Blood Pressure, Left Ventricular Dimensions, and Rhythm

“…16–18 Self-reported rates of abuse in bodybuilders range from 29% to 67%. 19–21 In a 1996 British survey of steroid abuse in competitive gymnasiums (albeit with few women), 29% of respondents admitted using AAS. 19 In an American study of 380 competitive bodybuilders in 1989, 54% of men and 10% of women admitted using AAS on a regular basis, 20 while 10 of 15 bodybuilders from an American power-lifting team admitted to taking AAS in a more recent study.…”

“…19 In an American study of 380 competitive bodybuilders in 1989, 54% of men and 10% of women admitted using AAS on a regular basis, 20 while 10 of 15 bodybuilders from an American power-lifting team admitted to taking AAS in a more recent study. 21 …”

Doping in sport: effects, harm and misconceptions

“…A recent meta‐analysis of 187 studies determined a 3.3% global lifetime prevalence of AAS use in mixed population, with the prevalence rate for males being significantly higher than that in females (6.4% and 1.6%, respectively) . AAS abuse has been reported in 11% of adult gym users, 39% of bodybuilders and a staggering 67% of powerlifters . Thus, AAS abuse rates may be extremely high, and health professionals should be alert to this practice.…”

Drug-Induced Cardiomyopathies

“…After that, anabolic-androgenic steroids continued to be used clandestinely by Olympic athletes, and its use spread quickly to high school, intercollegiate, and professional sports. According to clinical data, self-reported rates of abuse in bodybuilders and powerlifters to enhance performance range from 29% to 67% (Curry and Wagman 1999;Achar et al 2010). Also, there is now widespread use among non-competitive bodybuilders, recreational athletes, and those who simply desire an improved physique (Dhar et al 2005).…”