Book Appointment Now
Harm Reduction Program for Athletes
If you exercise intensively, you put a lot of strain on your body. And when you also use performance-enhancing drugs, certain health risks can increase.
Perhaps that is why you regularly have your own blood tested. Perhaps you found a lot of information online, but you don’t really know which values are important. Or maybe you just want to discuss with a medical professional what you are using, without judgment.
That's what our Harm Reduction Program for athletes is for.
Perhaps that is why you regularly have your own blood tested. Perhaps you found a lot of information online, but you don’t really know which values are important. Or maybe you just want to discuss with a medical professional what you are using, without judgment.
That's what our Harm Reduction Program for athletes is for.
Train hard, but also keep an eye on what’s happening in your body.
At IKARIA Clinics, we offer a discreet environment where you can be honest about your use. With extensive blood test, We map relevant health values using health measurements and medical monitoring, and we track changes over time.
Not to encourage or optimize the use of performance-enhancing drugs, but to signal health risks earlier and help you make more informed choices.
You don’t have to hide anything to get good care.
Not to encourage or optimize the use of performance-enhancing drugs, but to signal health risks earlier and help you make more informed choices.
You don’t have to hide anything to get good care.
Who is the Harm Reduction Program for?
The program is intended for adult athletes who use or have used performance-enhancing drugs and want their health to be monitored medically.
For example, when you:
For example, when you:
We know that talking about substance use can sometimes be difficult. At IKARIA Clinics, you don’t have to be ashamed of that. Our starting point is simple: the more honest we are about what’s going on, the better we can look after your health.
Harm reduction does not mean that use is safe
We find this distinction important.
Medical monitoring cannot eliminate the risks of using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Even good blood test results do not automatically mean that use is safe.
Harm reduction means that we try to reduce health risks by identifying relevant changes earlier, providing clear information, and, where necessary, recommending additional research, adjustments, or discontinuance.
We support your health. We do not prescribe schedules to optimize sports performance or non-medical drug use.
Medical monitoring cannot eliminate the risks of using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Even good blood test results do not automatically mean that use is safe.
Harm reduction means that we try to reduce health risks by identifying relevant changes earlier, providing clear information, and, where necessary, recommending additional research, adjustments, or discontinuance.
We support your health. We do not prescribe schedules to optimize sports performance or non-medical drug use.
What are we investigating?
Which tests are relevant varies from person to person. Therefore, we do not use a standard blood test for every athlete.
Depending on your situation, we can look at, among other things:
Depending on your situation, we can look at, among other things:
Where medically relevant, additional testing, such as an ECG, may be advised.
The goal is not to measure as many values as possible. We want to measure what is relevant for your health and situation.
The goal is not to measure as many values as possible. We want to measure what is relevant for your health and situation.
This is how the Harm Reduction Program works
More than just measuring testosterone
When using performance-enhancing drugs, attention is often placed heavily on testosterone levels. But your health consists of much more than your testosterone level.
That is why we look broader.
Think, for example, of blood pressure, cholesterol, hematocrit, liver and kidney values, and other factors that may be relevant to your health.
This fits with our approach to preventive care: not waiting until you experience clear symptoms, but gaining insight into changes that may be more noticeable earlier.
That is why we look broader.
Think, for example, of blood pressure, cholesterol, hematocrit, liver and kidney values, and other factors that may be relevant to your health.
This fits with our approach to preventive care: not waiting until you experience clear symptoms, but gaining insight into changes that may be more noticeable earlier.
What is included in the Harm Reduction Program?
Depending on the chosen route, this can consist of:
Why IKARIA Clinics?
We understand that sport can be important to you. Perhaps training is a big part of your life and identity. Our goal is not to judge that.
Our goal is to ensure that you have a place where you can honestly tell what you are doing and receive reliable medical information about what is happening in your body.
Discreet. Personal. Medically based. Without judgment.
And even without false certainty: if we see something that worries us, we say so.
Our goal is to ensure that you have a place where you can honestly tell what you are doing and receive reliable medical information about what is happening in your body.
Discreet. Personal. Medically based. Without judgment.
And even without false certainty: if we see something that worries us, we say so.
Frequently asked questions about harm reduction
Do I have to tell you which resources I use?
For a good medical assessment, it is important that we know which medications, supplements, and remedies you are using. You can be open about this with us. The information is treated confidentially in accordance with the applicable rules for medical data.
Can you tell me which resources or dosages I can best use?
No. The program is not intended to optimize non-medical use of performance-enhancing drugs or to compile usage schedules.
We focus on your health, potential risks, medical monitoring, and discussing responsible follow-up steps.
If my blood values are good, can I safely continue?
Not necessarily. Blood tests provide valuable information but cannot prove or rule out all risks. Therefore, we also look at factors such as your blood pressure, symptoms, medical history, and, if necessary, additional tests.
Can I also quit if I want to?
Yes. Even when you want to stop or have already stopped, it can be helpful to know how your body is doing. We can check relevant values and discuss which medical support is appropriate.
How often should I have a blood test?
It depends on your personal situation, what you are using or have used, previous results, and any complaints. Our medical team will advise you on the frequency of testing that is right for you.
Can I have a blood test done alone?
We believe that blood values are most valuable when they are evaluated in the correct medical context. Therefore, we prefer to combine research with a consultation during which we discuss the results and your personal situation.
Your health deserves the same attention as your performance
You probably keep a very accurate record of your training schedule, diet, and progress. It is at least as important to know what is going on inside.
At IKARIA Clinics you get a place where you can talk about it openly. Without judgment and without unnecessary barriers.
With comprehensive blood testing, personalized medical guidance and monitoring, we help you gain more insight into your health and become more aware of the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs.
At IKARIA Clinics you get a place where you can talk about it openly. Without judgment and without unnecessary barriers.
With comprehensive blood testing, personalized medical guidance and monitoring, we help you gain more insight into your health and become more aware of the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs.