Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey (2024)

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Subjects Abstract Access options Additional access options: Similar content being viewed by others Do “testosterone boosters” really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review The clinical management of testosterone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a review A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements References Acknowledgements Author information Authors and Affiliations Contributions Corresponding author Ethics declarations Competing interests Additional information Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article This article is cited by Ostarine blunts the effect of endurance training on submaximal endurance in rats Emergence and occurrence of performance-enhancing substance use in Australia determined by wastewater analysis Selective androgen receptor modulator use and related adverse events including drug-induced liver injury: Analysis of suspected cases Advancements in the evaluation and treatment for Testosterone Deficiency References
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International Journal of Impotence Research volume34,pages 757–761 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of androgen receptor ligands that bind androgen receptors and display tissue selective activation of androgenic signaling. SARMs have selective anabolic effects on muscle and bone, and were originally synthesized for treatment of muscle wasting conditions, osteoporosis, breast cancer. To date, no SARM has been clinically approved and little is known about the beneficial effects and other adverse effects on users. We examined the adverse effects and potential benefits of SARMs amongst users. We performed an internet survey assessing the demographics of users via a 32-question survey. Using reddit as a platform, we distributed the survey through various subreddits that included potential SARMs users. Out of the 520 responses, 343 participants admitted having used SARMs. Most were males (98.5%), between the ages of 18–29 (72.3%). More than 90% of users acquired SARMs via the internet and did not consult with a physician. More than half of SARMs users experienced side effects including mood swings, decreased testicular size, and acne. More than 90% of men reported increased muscle mass and were satisfied with their SARMs usage. Despite having seemingly positive effects, more than 50% of SARMs users report significant adverse effects. Chi square was the main method of statistical analysis. Future studies should focus on comprehensive reproductive evaluation of men using SARMs.

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Similar content being viewed by others

Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey (2)

The clinical management of testosterone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a review

Article Open access 05 October 2022

Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey (3)

A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements

Article 01 May 2020

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Acknowledgements

The authors have no financial disclosures. No funding was provided for this study.

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  1. Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Iakov V. Efimenko,David Valancy,Justin M. Dubin&Ranjith Ramasamy

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  1. Iakov V. Efimenko

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  3. Justin M. Dubin

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  4. Ranjith Ramasamy

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All listed authors contributed equally to writing of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Iakov V. Efimenko.

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Competing interests

There are no competing financial interests in relation to the work described. Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy has the following disclosures: Acerus Pharmaceuticals (Consultant); Boston Scientific (Consultant, Grant recipient); Coloplast (Consultant, Grant recipient); Endo Pharmaceuticals (Consultant, Grant Recipient); Metuchen (Consultant); Nestle Health (Consultant).

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Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey (4)

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Efimenko, I.V., Valancy, D., Dubin, J.M. et al. Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey. Int J Impot Res 34, 757–761 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-021-00465-0

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Adverse effects and potential benefits among selective androgen receptor modulators users: a cross-sectional survey (2024)

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