Factors predicting normalization of reproductive hormones after cessation of anabolic-androgenic steroids in men: a single center retrospective study
Authors' conclusion
Without evidence-based withdrawal protocols, men commonly try avoiding post-AAS hypogonadism with PCT, which is illicit, ill-defined, and not recommended. Only half of men had complete biochemical testicular recovery after stopping AAS. The surprising association of self-reported PCT use with short-term biochemical recovery from AAS-induced hypogonadism warrants further investigation.
Study context
- Population
- Men attending a clinic 2015–2022 for a single, nonfasting, random blood test <36 months after anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) cessation
- Participants
- 641 men
- Exposure
- Post-cycle therapy vs no PCT after AAS cessation
- Outcome
- Normalized reproductive hormones (reference range serum LH, FSH and total testosterone) as surrogate of biochemical recovery
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Biochemical recovery (normalized reproductive hormones)
Odds ratio
3.80
P = 0.001
By group
- Normalization of reproductive hormones achieved (all men)
- 48.2%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | OR | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Odds of recovery by number of AAS used (vs 1 drug)2 AAS vs 1 AAS · multivariable | 0.55 | P = 0.009 |
| Odds of recovery by number of AAS used (vs 1 drug)3 AAS vs 1 AAS · multivariable | 0.46 | P = 0.009 |
| Odds of recovery by number of AAS used (vs 1 drug)4 AAS vs 1 AAS · multivariable | 0.25 | P = 0.009 |
| Odds of recovery by time since AAS cessationAAS >6 months previously vs ≤3 months · multivariable | 0.34 | P = 0.01 |
| Odds of recovery by last reported AASLast reported AAS >3 months vs ≤3 months · multivariable | 5.68 | P = 0.001 |
Original publication
Factors predicting normalization of reproductive hormones after cessation of anabolic-androgenic steroids in men: a single center retrospective study. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 15 December 2023. doi:10.
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