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Abstract

AASs (anabolic-androgenic steroids) are a type of artificial sex hormone that controls metabolic effects such as the growth of skeletal muscles and bones and androgenic effects such as the occurrence of male secondary sexual characteristics some people may illegally use AAS for many purposes. Consumption of these substances at the level of the general public has caused many negative the early and late side. This article was conducted as a retrospective descriptive study to analyze the variables related to the incidence of complications and challenges of using AAS. Therefore, in 2 years (2020-2022), we collected data with specific parameters and observed ethical principles.

This research investigated a sample of 8,040 people, of which 4,800 (59.7%) were women and 3,240 (40.2%) were men. Of this number, only about 400 people (4.9%)  had used AASs, and the average age of female consumers was 4 years younger than that of men.

 BDD (Body-dysmorphic disorder) is characterized by a continuous mental focus on minor or imaginary imperfections in appearance. This disorder and factors such as a decrease in self-confidence can be one of the reasons for starting to use AASs. According to our research, AASs are not considered a solution for these disorders but cause complications such as personality and psychological disorders.

The negative consequences that it creates in the physical and mental dimensions during a person's life can be a strong reason to set a global guideline to control the consumption of these substances‎.