Researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital have identified lasting harm from anabolic steroids that can persist long after use ends. The findings were unveiled at the 25th European Congress of Endocrinology held in Istanbul, bringing new attention to how these substances affect the heart over time.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the natural hormone testosterone. They are taken to build muscle, enhance performance, and speed up recovery, but they carry a range of potential side effects. In men, these effects can include changes to breast tissue, hair loss, a drop in natural testosterone production, challenges with sexual function, and a higher risk of cardiovascular and organ issues. While the immediate risks are more widely discussed, evidence about the long-term impact after stopping use has been limited and sometimes confusing.
In the new study, researchers examined 64 healthy men aged 18 to 50 who engaged in regular strength training in Denmark. The group was divided into three categories: current anabolic steroid users, former users, and individuals who had never used these substances. Using a cutting-edge imaging technique called positron emission tomography-computed tomography with rubidium-82 as a tracer, scientists evaluated blood flow in the heart region. The results showed reduced perfusion in both current users and those who had previously used steroids, compared with men who never used them.
The finding suggests that even after stopping anabolic steroids there may be a measurable decline in blood flow to the heart area, a factor linked to higher long-term heart disease risk. While the study does not prove that past users will develop heart disease, it indicates an elevated risk signal that persists beyond cessation. This nuance matters for clinicians, athletes, and anyone considering steroids as a shortcut to strength or endurance, because it underscores the need for careful medical guidance and ongoing health monitoring.
Experts note that prior work had suggested heart function could return toward normal after stopping steroids, but the current analysis points to a more nuanced reality. The researchers emphasized that the observed reductions in heart blood flow were present in former users years after cessation, highlighting a potential enduring vulnerability. They call for additional long-term investigations to better understand how these changes evolve over time and how lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, and smoking may interact with past steroid exposure. The study also reinforces the importance of clear, evidence-based information for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who weigh the benefits and risks of steroid use. In clinical practice, awareness of lingering heart risk could influence screening strategies and counseling for individuals with a history of exposure.