The efficacy of a harm reduction intervention for androgen abuse: a historically controlled trial
Authors' conclusion
This is the first controlled study to demonstrate that a harm reduction intervention can reduce androgen exposure among men planning to abuse androgens. These findings support harm reduction as a promising strategy to mitigate health risks associated with androgen abuse. Future studies should confirm generalizability and monitor for potential enabling effects.
Study context
- Population
- Male amateur athletes planning to start an androgen cycle
- Participants
- 99 vs 100
- Exposure
- Harm reduction intervention vs no intervention
- Interventionn = 99
- Controlsn = 100reference
- Outcome
- Cumulative androgen dose, cycle duration and weekly dosage
- Follow-up
- 1 year
Methodological detailsprospective, historical control cohort, 1-year intervention study, Baseline characteristics largely comparable; intervention participants reported slightly more weekly training time and lower intended cumulative cycle dose
- Prospective
- Historical control cohort
- 1-year intervention study
- Baseline characteristics largely comparable; intervention participants reported slightly more weekly training time and lower intended cumulative cycle dose
Main finding
Cumulative androgen dose
Mean difference
13 087 mg
95% CI −16 564 to −9609
By group
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | Average reduction (mg) (95% CI) |
|---|---|
| Within-person deviation from planned cumulative androgen doseReduction with Intervention | 8729 (−11 297 to −6287) |
- Refrained from initiating a cycle due to the intervention
- Twelve percent
Safety
- No significant enabling effect was observed
Original publication
The efficacy of a harm reduction intervention for androgen abuse: a historically controlled trial. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 13 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →