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Anabolic steroid misuse in an amateur athlete: insights from primary care

Muataz KHALID

Anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse is an emerging global public health concern increasingly encountered in primary care. Amateur athletes often use AAS for body image enhancement rather than competitive advantage, influenced by social media and gym culture. Presentations are frequently subtle, with cardiometabolic and endocrine abnormalities that delay diagnosis and increase long-term risk. Recent studies estimate AAS misuse prevalence among amateur athletes at 3–6%, highlighting its growing impact on primary care.