Characteristics of Drug-Induced Liver Injury from Anabolic Steroids and Selective Androgen-Receptor Modulators

Drug-induced liver injury is a known risk associated with use of androgenic anabolic steroids, and evidence for similar risk associated with selective androgen-receptor modulators (SARMs) is increasing. In this Australian study, researchers evaluated 23 cases of drug-induced liver injury believed by treating physicians to be caused by anabolic steroids, SARMs, or other unspecified bodybuilding supplements. Hepatotoxicity was defined by alanine aminotransferase levels >5 times the upper limit of normal, alkaline phosphatase levels >2 times the upper limit of normal, or findings on liver biopsy.

All but one patient were men (median age, 30). Patients presented with typical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., jaundice, pruritus, nausea, weight lo…