What is the mortality rate for adults using anabolic steroids also called performance enhancing steroids?

Answer 1

There are no reliable statistics for adult deaths attributable to anabolic steroids, except to say that chronic use or overdose can result in death. Coroners cannot determine anabolic steroid use without testing tissue samples, which is more costly and take many weeks for the results to come back (the samples are typically sent to a state lab). It would be more likely for a coroner to write the Primary Cause of Death as the damage to the structures they see are damaged, such as damage to the heart. IF they are aware of anabolic steroid use, then that would ALWAYS be listed as a contributing factor (IF it is even recorded on the death certificate), no matter the circumstances of the death.

For example:

A 35 year old male has been using anabolic steroids for 6 years for "body building". He has been "stacking" the doses, so he is taking well over the amount that others might take. He has flank pain from his adrenal glands; each gland sits atop each kidney, but he ignores it, thinking it is just muscle pain from working out. He does not realize his adrenals are sending a critical message about how his body is failing to function. His electrolytes are out of balance because of steroid abuse, but he does not know this because he thinks he is too healthy to see a doctor. Plus, he fears a doctor will discover what he is taking. Even when his heart starts to flutter and cause pain, he, like many men, ignore the warning signs. He has also been having "roid rages" off and on for 6 months. One night, he's riding his motorcycle home (or driving his car) at a fast "rage" speed. He has severe angina (heart-chest pain) and passes out at the wheel. He runs into a tree along the road and dies instantly. The coroner would likely list the immediate cause of death as a one-person vehicular fatality. IF the coroner sees cardiac damage that could be attributable to Heart disease, he might list that as a secondary cause. Since no one was with the man, no one knows he had chest pain right before the accident.

NOTE: Death from doctor prescribed "regular" steroids also have risks, but death is fairly rare. Low dose steroids are often given to treat another condition, are typically short term, and are tapered off so the person's own adrenal glands begin to function normally again. External steroids replace the adrenal's natural functioning--so it is critical for a doctor to oversee any patient who is prescribed a steroid.

NOTE 2: ALL steroids carry other risks, such as if the patient needs emergency surgery with no time to taper off from the steroid dose.

Answer 2

The mortality rate for adults using anabolic steroids is uncertain due to limited research. However, the potential risks associated with anabolic steroid use include cardiovascular issues, liver damage, and psychiatric effects, which can increase the risk of premature death. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any performance-enhancing drugs.