According to Gram Research analysis, approximately 35% of Turkish male gym members use anabolic steroids, and these users show serious blood damage including dangerously low ‘good’ cholesterol, liver stress, kidney problems, and abnormally thick blood that increases heart attack and stroke risk. The damage is most severe in users aged 18-25, suggesting young adults face the greatest health threat from steroid use.
A new study of Turkish gym members found that about one-third were using anabolic steroids to build muscle faster. Researchers compared blood tests from steroid users and non-users and discovered serious health problems in the steroid group. Steroid users had damaged cholesterol levels, liver and kidney problems, and abnormal blood cell counts. The study shows that while steroids build muscle quickly, they come with major health risks—especially for young adults in their late teens and twenties who are most likely to use them.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 161 Turkish gym members found that 57 participants (35.4%) were anabolic steroid users, with 54.5% of users aged 18-25 years old.
Steroid users in the study showed severe hormone suppression with median luteinizing hormone levels of 0.12 IU/L compared to normal levels, indicating complete shutdown of natural testosterone production.
Compared to non-users, steroid users had significantly lower protective HDL cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes, increased kidney stress markers, and abnormally high blood cell counts that thicken blood and increase heart attack risk.
The study found that vitamin B12 showed the strongest inverse correlation with hormone suppression, suggesting steroid users taking supplements may be experiencing more severe hormonal damage.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How anabolic steroids affect blood health markers in gym members, comparing people who use steroids with those who don’t
- Who participated: 161 male gym participants aged 18-50 years in Turkey, with 57 identified as steroid users based on hormone suppression patterns
- Key finding: About 35% of gym members were using steroids, and they showed serious blood abnormalities including damaged cholesterol, liver stress, kidney problems, and abnormal blood cell counts
- What it means for you: If you’re considering steroids for muscle building, this research shows real health damage happens to your blood, liver, and kidneys. The risks are especially high if you’re under 25. Talk to a doctor before using any performance-enhancing drugs.
The Research Details
Researchers looked back at blood test records from gym members between 2015 and 2025. They identified steroid users by finding very low levels of two hormones (LH and FSH) that normally control testosterone production—when these hormones are suppressed, it’s a sign someone is using steroids. They then compared blood test results between the steroid users and non-users to see what damage the steroids caused.
This type of study is called ‘cross-sectional,’ which means researchers took a snapshot in time rather than following people over months or years. The researchers measured 10 different blood markers including testosterone, cholesterol, liver enzymes, kidney function, and blood cell counts.
This research approach is important because it shows real-world health consequences in actual gym members, not just laboratory animals. By comparing steroid users to non-users in the same gym environment, researchers could isolate the effects of steroids specifically. The study also reveals that steroid use is surprisingly common—affecting about one in three gym members—making this a significant public health issue.
The study has good strengths: it included a reasonable sample size (161 people), used objective blood test measurements rather than self-reporting, and looked at multiple health markers. However, the study is limited because it only shows correlation (steroid use and health problems happen together) rather than proving steroids directly caused the problems. The study also only included Turkish gym members, so results may not apply to other populations. Additionally, the researchers couldn’t control for other factors like diet, other drug use, or exercise intensity that might affect blood results.
What the Results Show
The study found that 57 out of 161 gym members (35.4%) were using anabolic steroids. These steroid users were mostly young—54.5% were between 18-25 years old. The steroid users showed severe suppression of their natural hormone production, with hormone levels dropping to nearly undetectable amounts.
Compared to non-users, steroid users had dramatically different blood profiles. Their testosterone was much higher (expected, since they were injecting it), but they also had dangerous changes: their ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) was significantly lower, putting them at higher risk for heart disease. Their liver enzymes were elevated, suggesting liver damage. Their kidney function markers (creatinine) were higher, indicating kidney stress.
Steroid users also had abnormally high red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelet counts—a condition called polycythemia that thickens the blood and increases stroke and heart attack risk. Interestingly, steroid users also had much higher vitamin B12 levels, suggesting they were taking many supplements alongside their steroids.
The research revealed that vitamin B12 levels had the strongest connection to hormone suppression—steroid users taking B12 supplements showed the most severe hormone damage. HDL cholesterol showed the strongest positive relationship with hormone levels, meaning as steroid use increased, protective cholesterol decreased. The study also found that steroid users were more likely to be taking multiple vitamin supplements, suggesting they may be aware of health risks and trying to counteract them with supplements (though this approach appears ineffective).
This study confirms what previous research has shown: anabolic steroids cause serious blood and organ damage. The finding that about one-third of gym members use steroids is consistent with other studies showing steroid use is common in fitness communities. The specific blood abnormalities found (liver damage, kidney stress, abnormal cholesterol, thick blood) match patterns documented in medical literature. However, this study is notable for focusing on a Turkish population and for showing how common steroid use has become in recreational gym settings, not just among competitive athletes.
The study cannot prove that steroids directly caused the blood problems—only that steroid users had these problems. Other factors like diet quality, alcohol use, other drugs, or intense training could contribute. The study only included men, so results don’t apply to women. It only looked at one point in time, not tracking people over years to see long-term consequences. The study couldn’t measure how long people had been using steroids or how much they were using. Finally, the research only included Turkish gym members, so these findings may not apply to other countries or populations with different genetics or steroid use patterns.
The Bottom Line
Strong evidence suggests avoiding anabolic steroids for muscle building due to serious health risks. If you’re already using steroids, get regular blood tests to monitor liver, kidney, and cholesterol levels. Talk to a doctor about safe alternatives like proper nutrition, training programs, and legal supplements. Young adults (18-25) should be especially cautious, as this age group shows the highest steroid use and faces developing bodies that may suffer permanent damage.
Young men interested in bodybuilding or muscle building should care most about this research. Gym members considering steroids need to understand the real health costs. Parents of teenagers interested in fitness should discuss these risks. Healthcare providers should use this information to counsel patients about steroid dangers. Gym owners and fitness coaches should consider educational programs about steroid risks.
Blood damage from steroids can begin within weeks of use, as shown by the hormone suppression in this study. However, some damage like liver and kidney problems may take months to years to develop. Recovery of natural hormone production after stopping steroids can take 6-12 months or longer. Some damage like abnormal cholesterol patterns may persist even after stopping use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health problems do anabolic steroids cause in gym members?
Research shows steroid users develop damaged cholesterol levels, liver and kidney problems, abnormally thick blood, and suppressed natural hormone production. A 2026 study of 161 gym members found 35% were steroid users with these serious blood abnormalities.
How common is steroid use among people who go to the gym?
According to a 2026 study of Turkish gym participants, approximately 35% of male gym members use anabolic steroids. The highest usage rate was among young adults aged 18-25 years, representing 54.5% of all steroid users.
Can steroid damage to blood and organs be reversed?
Some damage like abnormal cholesterol may persist after stopping steroids. Natural hormone production can take 6-12 months or longer to recover. Liver and kidney damage severity depends on how long steroids were used and at what doses.
What age group is most affected by steroid use in gyms?
Young adults aged 18-25 represent the largest steroid-using population in gyms. A 2026 study found 54.5% of steroid users were in this age group, making them most vulnerable to health damage during critical development years.
Are there safe alternatives to steroids for building muscle?
Yes. Proper nutrition, progressive resistance training, adequate sleep, and legal supplements like protein powder and creatine build muscle safely without the serious blood and organ damage caused by anabolic steroids.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly blood pressure and monthly cholesterol levels if using or considering steroids. Log any symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual fatigue. Monitor liver function through annual blood work.
- Set a goal to discuss steroid risks with a healthcare provider before use. If already using, schedule a blood test within 30 days to establish baseline health markers. Research and log three legal alternatives to steroids (nutrition plans, training programs, or supplements) to try instead.
- Create a quarterly health check-in reminder to review blood test results. Track changes in energy, mood, and physical symptoms. Set a goal to reduce steroid use by 25% each month if currently using, with medical supervision.
This research describes health risks associated with anabolic steroid use but should not replace professional medical advice. If you are currently using anabolic steroids or considering their use, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions. This study shows correlation between steroid use and blood abnormalities but cannot prove direct causation. Individual health outcomes may vary based on genetics, dosage, duration of use, and other factors. Anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue should seek immediate medical attention.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.