Study summary · research use only
Reversible Gynecomastia and Hypogonadism Due to Usage of Commercial Performance-Enhancing Supplement Use
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This case report describes a 40-year-old male who developed bilateral gynecomastia and biochemical hypogonadotropic hypogonadism after a 6-month history of using commercially available performance-enhancing supplements. Analysis of the supplements detected RAD-140, a selective androgen receptor modulator, MK-677, a GH secretagogue, and cardarine, along with undisclosed testosterone, estradiol, and GH, plus an unidentified compound coeluting near the testosterone peak on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Stopping the supplements led to full resolution of symptoms, including normalization of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The authors state clinicians should consider commercially available performance-enhancing supplements as potential sources of undisclosed steroid hormones and other substances.
Abstract
Commercially available performance-enhancing supplements can contain banned performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and undisclosed steroid hormones that can induce hormonal abnormalities with associated clinical signs. We present a case of a 40-year-old male who developed bilateral gynecomastia and biochemical hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with a corresponding 6-month history of consuming commercially available performance-enhancing supplements for gym workouts. These performance-enhancing supplements were found to contain amounts of RAD-140, a selective androgen receptor modulator, MK-677, a GH secretagogue and cardarine, all of which are banned PEDs. In vitro analysis also detected undisclosed hormones testosterone, estradiol, and GH in all 3 supplements, with further steroid analysis using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry identifying an unidentified compound coeluting close to the testosterone peak. Cessation of these supplements led to full resolution of symptoms including normalization of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider commercially available performance-enhancing supplements as potential sources of PEDs and exogenous steroid hormones that can have adverse clinical consequences.
pepmg summarizes the peer-reviewed literature and links to every source — it sells nothing, ships nothing, and gives no medical, dosing, or human-use guidance. Don't just trust this summary: follow the citation to its source and read it yourself. Research use only.