Research
Hormonal
Withdrawal from anabolic steroids frequently causes a reduction in muscle size and strength (reported by 72% of users) and reduced libido (33%), contributing to resumption of use.
Stopping steroid use often leads to a rapid loss of muscle size and strength, as well as reduced libido, which can drive users back to using steroids. This withdrawal cycle is a significant barrier to cessation.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Eighty eight per cent of users admitted withdrawal symptoms on cessation of steroid administration, with a reduction in muscle size and strength reported by 72%, and reduced libido by 33%.
Why this rating
Self-reported survey data.
Source
Gym and tonic: a profile of 100 male steroid users.
Nick A. Evans · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 1997
DOI 10.1136/bjsm.31.1.54
cross_sectional · n=100Cited 183×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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