Effect of Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Testosterone Epitestosterone Ratio and its Application on Athlete Biological Passport in Egypt

Abstract

The use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid agents is evident within the competitive sport in senior and junior age groups, where they are taken by non-elite as well as elite participants. They are also taken in non-sporting contexts by individuals seeking to ‘improve’ their physique through an increase in muscle and/or decrease in fat mass. No accurate data is available for the prevalence of anabolic steroid misuse among athletes, studies suggest the illicit use of doping agents by athletes and non-athletes may be 1–5% in the population and greater than 50% in some groups; with the prevalence being higher in males. Many studies documented side effects and health hazards with the misusing of anabolic steroids, where these were accused as a cause of deaths among athletes. Intake of exogenous anabolic steroids disturbed the T/E ratio causing its evaluation above the normal level. This review will outline the anabolic steroids, its side effects and health impacts in both the sporting and physique development contexts. It also provides a brief review of the history of AAS as doping agents and athlete biological passport.