Testosterone and anabolic steroid injections increase the risk of tendon rupture

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that testosterone and anabolic steroid injections increase the risk of tendon rupture?

Yes. Clinical reviews and large retrospective studies consistently demonstrate that testosterone and anabolic-androgenic steroid use increases the risk of musculoskeletal complications, specifically tendon injuries and ruptures.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 5 Aug 2026

The analysis

The retrieved literature contains specific clinical studies and reviews directly evaluating the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy or anabolic steroid use and tendon injuries. Paper [3] provides strong direct evidence via a large retrospective cohort showing increased odds of Achilles tendon injury and surgery with testosterone therapy, while paper [10] reviews how anabolic-androgenic steroids disrupt collagen balance and increase tendon rupture risk. Paper [0] broadly supports the link to musculoskeletal disorders. No papers refute the claim.

Evidence for · 3

Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement.

2014

This scientific statement links performance-enhancing drug use, including testosterone and anabolic steroids, to various musculoskeletal disorders.

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Jr, P. H., RI, W., A, R., F, N., L, B., & S, B. (2014). Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2013-1058

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More for · 2

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury and subsequent surgery: a matched retrospective analysis

2023

This matched retrospective analysis found that testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury and subsequent surgery.

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Albright, J., Lou, M. Y., Rebello, E., Ge, J., Testa, E. J., Daniels, A. H., & Arcand, M. (2023). Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury and subsequent surgery: a matched retrospective analysis. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-023-00678-0

Impact of Anabolic Steroids on Tendons: A Narrative Review

2025

This narrative review concludes that anabolic-androgenic steroids weaken collagen structure and elasticity, thereby increasing the risk of tendon rupture.

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Żywiec, W., Dorota, A., Kozłowski, K., Dorota, M., Milczarek, C., Koval, I., Mariankowska, A., Czyżewski, B., Czyżewska, J., & Maryniak, N. (2025). Impact of Anabolic Steroids on Tendons: A Narrative Review. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.93649

Related receipts

Is it true that anabolic steroid use can lead to addiction? SUPPORTED related question, same topic
Is it true that cortisone injections are deleterious for tendons? SUPPORTED related question, same topic
Is it true that anabolic steroid use raises blood pressure in the men and women who take it? PARTIAL LEAN related question, same topic

Receipt History

first checked05 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 9105 Aug 2026

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