Neither corticosteroids nor anabolic steroids have been specifically linked to an increased risk of brain aneurysms. But both can potentially cause high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for the development of aneurysms.

Brain aneurysms are weakened and bulging areas in a blood vessel in your brain. They affect about 3% of people and usually don’t cause symptoms unless they rupture. A ruptured brain aneurysm causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a stroke, or both.

“Steroids” can refer to:

  • corticosteroids that are used to treat a wide number of medical conditions
  • anabolic steroids that are most often illegally used to stimulate muscle growth
  • less commonly, the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone

None of these types of steroids have specifically been linked to brain aneurysms. Steroid use is associated with many side effects, including osteoporosis, high blood sugar, weight gain, and lowered immune system function, but brain aneurysms are not a proven or notable side effect of steroids.

There may be a theoretical link between high doses of corticosteroids and anabolic steroids and high blood pressure, which is a potential risk factor for the development of brain aneurysms.

Administering the hormones estrogen and progesterone has been linked to improved aneurysm outcomes in some studies.

Read on to learn more about the link between steroids and brain aneurysms.

How common are brain aneurysms?

Brain aneurysms occur in roughly 3.2% of people worldwide. Although they often don’t cause problems, a ruptured brain aneurysm comes with a high risk of death.

Corticosteroids are used to treat many different conditions, such as:

There’s currently no high quality evidence linking corticosteroid use to higher rates of brain aneurysms.

There may be a theoretical link since some corticosteroids can potentially increase blood vessel fragility and increase blood pressure as a side effect.

High blood pressure is a risk factor for the development of aneurysms. High blood pressure has also been associated with poorer outcomes for people previously treated for brain aneurysms.

In an older 2006 study, researchers found that people with ruptured aneurysms were more likely to have used oral or intravenous steroids in the past. However, more research is needed to understand if there is a connection.

In a 2022 study, researchers found immunosuppressive drugs, including corticosteroids, were not associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm growth.

Corticosteroid and cardiovascular disease

Corticosteroid use may increase the risk of other types of cardiovascular disease.

In a 2022 review, researchers found that corticosteroid use led to higher levels of blood vessel complications in people undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, although these people didn’t have a higher risk of death.

In a 2022 study, researchers found that people with rheumatoid arthritis taking oral corticosteroids had an increased risk of dying of any cause or cardiovascular disease compared to people with rheumatoid arthritis not taking oral steroids.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the hormone testosterone or related molecules. Anabolic steroid use has been linked to cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attacks. It’s also been linked to:

As of now, there’s no compelling evidence that anabolic steroid abuse is associated with an increased risk of cerebral aneurysm. Anabolic steroid use has been linked to high blood pressure, which could, in theory, increase the risk of aneurysm formation.

In a 2020 study on rodents, researchers found that testosterone-mimicking substances might aggravate blood vessel injury in the brain by inducing inflammation and injury to blood vessels.

In a 2018 review, researchers found some evidence that administering sex hormones like progesterone and estrogen may help stabilize brain aneurysms, possibly by modifying the inflammation reaction that leads to their formation.

Corticosteroids can potentially cause many different side effects affecting your brain, such as:

In a 2022 study, researchers found evidence that oral and injected corticosteroids can cause changes to the structure and volume of the white and gray matter in your brain.

Anabolic steroids are associated with structural brain changes like a thinner pre-frontal cortex, which plays a role in emotional control and inhibitory control.

Here are some frequently asked questions people have about brain aneurysms and steroids.

What drugs can cause a brain aneurysm?

Using illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine increases your risk of developing a brain aneurysm. Some prescription drugs like blood thinner warfarin (Jantoven) may also increase your risk.

What is most likely to cause a brain aneurysm?

Most brain aneurysms occur in genetically prone people with risk factors like:

What triggers brain aneurysms to rupture?

It’s thought that high blood pressure is one of the most common reasons why a brain aneurysm ruptures.

What should you avoid if you have a brain aneurysm?

If you have a brain aneurysm, it’s a good idea to avoid activities that raise your risk of blood vessel damage, such as drinking large amounts of alcohol or smoking. It’s also a good idea to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, such as heavy lifting.

Both corticosteroids and anabolic steroids have been linked to high blood pressure, and that’s a risk factor for the development of aneurysms.

Brain aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. If you have a previously diagnosed brain aneurysm, it’s a good idea to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure or can damage your blood vessels.