Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Myths, Facts, and Consequences
Key Takeaways
- The desire to win and excel in any sport can influence athletes’ thoughts and actions like resorting to the use of performance-enhancing products, but this practice also comes with significant risks and consequences.
- Different types of sports-enhancing substances like anabolic steroids, androstenedione, Human Growth Hormone, diuretics, caffeine, and creatine have their own effects and legal status.
- Excessive use of certain sports supplements can lead to serious medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, abnormal bone and tissue growth, and kidney dysfunction.
- Athletes found to test positive for banned substances are sanctioned under the rule of strict liability.
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Introduction
Most athletes have dreams of winning, from getting lots of medals to playing for a professional sports team. An athlete at any level always have the desire to win and succeed, which can lead to negative thoughts and the use of performance enhancing drugs.
The use of sports supplements might give athletes a competitive edge but these also come with consequences. Learn more about sports-enhancing drugs myths, facts, and risks1 associated with their use.
Different Types of Enhancing Substances
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids are synthetic replacements of the naturally-produced male hormone testosterone. These artificial versions are used by athletes to boost their strength and increase muscle mass and strength by enhancing the protein synthesis in muscle cells.
Other than athletic enhancement, anabolic steroids are also used in certain medical conditions like hormonal imbalance, delayed puberty, and muscle-wasting disease. Athletes and those active in doing other forms of physical activity, can benefit from anabolic steroids in lowering the damage that happens to muscles during intense workouts, which means getting faster recovery.
Effects and Legal Consequences
When taken in high dosages, anabolic steroids can have serious side effects like severe acne. Men may notice changes in the body like testicular shrinkage, and breast growth while masculinization and growth of facial hair are noticed in women. Anabolic steroids use also affects mood and behavior like depression and aggression, high blood pressure, or liver tumor.
In the United States, anabolic steroids are considered controlled substances due to their adverse health effects3, thus possession and distribution are illegal.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione products are formulated to boost testosterone levels to promote muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance and are believed to be safer alternatives to anabolic steroids.
Effects and Legal Consequences
The same with anabolic steroids, androstenedione use can cause acne, less sperm count, shrinkage in testicles, breast growth, or hair loss. Consumption of androstenedione also can damage the heart and the blood vessels and can cause stroke and heart attack.
Androstenedione was considered a dietary supplement and can be purchased from any sports pharmacy, but in 2004 these products were classified as controlled substances making it only legal for purchase with a prescription.
Human Growth Hormone
Commonly referred to as somatotropin, HGH is given as a shot and responsible for performance enhancement, speedy recovery, reduce the severity of injury, and anti-aging.
Effects and Legal Consequences
Excessive use of HGH or Human Growth Hormones can cause cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and abnormal growth of bones and tissues. The use of HGH is banned in many sports organizations like the International Olympic Committee, NFL, NBA, and FIFA where athletes who test positive will face disqualification or suspension from competitions.
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to help athletes maintain the ideal body weight and pass drug tests as these dilute the urine, potentially masking traces of drugs. Athletes also use diuretics for post-recovery competitions like boxing and cycling to decrease the feeling of bloating or swelling.
Effects and Legal Consequences
Diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, irregular heartbeat, and kidney dysfunction. Usage is also strongly prohibited by many sports organizations due to associated health risks and unfair competition.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most common type of performance enhancing drugs2. The stimulant found in tea, coffee, and other beverages is known for its mental alertness and focus effects, improved reaction time, improved endurance, and potential anti-fatigue effects.
Effects and Legal Consequences
Caffeine use is not banned when used in moderation. However, excessive consumption of caffeine can often lead to insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, restlessness, nausea, and diarrhea.
Creatine
Creatine dietary supplements or drugs for sports are used for resistance training and high intensity activities. Research shows that creatine supplements help achieve optimal strength, power, and overall athletic performance. Creatine intake may lead to increased muscle growth and reduce muscle cell damage.
Effects and Legal Consequences
Common effects of creatine intake include weight gain, muscle cramps, and GI discomfort. Generally, creatine is safe to use and is widely accepted in most countries including America.
Myths and Facts about Performance Enhancing Drugs
Myth: The product is safe as there is no banned substance on the label
Truth: Supplements and performance-enhancing drugs from your preferred sports pharmacy often come with unreliable packaging. There are hundreds of products that are mislabeled with omitted banned substances.
Myth: A supplement is safe as it comes with USADA approved seal.
Truth: A supplement that claims to be approved by USADA is spreading false marketing. USADA does not approve or recommend dietary products.
Myth: There are no unapproved supplements available in the market
Truth: FDA removes unapproved sports or dietary supplements off the shelves years after concerns are raised. However, sports pharmacies can either remove or retain the banned products despite FDA warnings.
Myth: Steroids are not recommended for people with diabetes.
Truth: People with diabetes can take steroids with a doctor’s recommendation and close blood sugar monitoring.
Myth: It is easy to take steroids.
Truth: Steroids may be readily available but is one of the most difficult drugs for sports to take especially if you have an existing condition or taking it alongside with other form of medication.
Myth: Steroids are a lot safer than biologic drugs.
Truth: Steroids or biological drugs both can have severe side effects, making it crucial to speak to your primary health care provider before taking any supplements or any type of drug.
Myth: Sports or performance-enhancing drugs are harmless and if I test positive, I won’t be in trouble.
Truth: Athletes found to test positive for sports substances under the controlled substances list are sanctioned under the rule of strict liability.
What if an athlete has an illness or medical condition where a banned Performance Enhancing Drug is medically necessary?
This is where Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) comes into play. This ensures that athletes receive the necessary treatment without the risk of being sanctioned by anti-doping agencies.
The TUE is in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency International Standard, and athletes taking medication must check the status of their prescription against the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) or other substances specified by their anti-doping organization (ADO).
Final Say
Drugs for sports to enhance performance, strength, and endurance have long been a source of controversy. From a local football player to a college basketball player, the burning passion to win plus the pressure for optimal performance influenced some athletes to use PEDs.
That’s why athletes have to be able to differentiate the myths from the truths of PEDs as highlighted by the USADA organization. They should also keep in mind the negative effects of resorting to these drugs. Although performance enhancing drugs may promise short-term gains, but the potential consequences far outweigh the benefits.
Athletes, students, and fitness enthusiasts should be mindful of the myths and facts surrounding PEDs and the severe repercussions they can bring.
The pursuit of excellence should always be balanced with a commitment to health, integrity, and fair play. Ultimately, success achieved through hard work, dedication, and awareness to drugs for sports is the most rewarding and sustainable path to being great in your chosen sport.
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References
- Mayo Clinic, Performance-Enhancing drugs: Know the Risks. Accessed October 10, 2023 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/performance-enhancing-drugs/art-20046134
- Saket Mantri, Sristy Agarwal, Arpita Jaiswal, Seema Yelne, Roshan Prasad, Mayur B Wanjari,, National Library of Medicine, Bodybuilding: A Comprehensive Review of Performance-Enhancing Substance Use and Public Health Implications, Published online 2023 Jul 9. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41600. Accessed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10409494/
- USADA, 5 Supplement Myths: Here’s What Athletes Really Know. Accessed October 10, 2023 https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/supplement-myths-what-athletes-need-know/
- Chronic Hives, Myths and Facts About Steroids. Accessed October 10, 2023 https://chronic-hives.com/living/myths-steroids
- USADA, 5 Supplement Myths: Here’s What Athletes Really Know. Accessed October 10, 2023 https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/supplement-myths-what-athletes-need-know/
- Chronic Hives, Myths and Facts About Steroids. Accessed October 10, 2023 https://chronic-hives.com/living/myths-steroids
Written by Dr. Brandon Welch, PharmD
Dr. Brandon K. Welch is an experienced licensed wellness pharmacist that holds his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of South Florida and his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences with a focus in biochemistry. He is the wellness pharmacist for Baptist Health where he works collaboratively with the Miami Dolphin’s and Florida Panther’s team physician to help enhance athletic performance and reduce risk of illness. His passion in connecting metabolic health with human performance led him to pursue his Master’s degree in physiology and kinesiology with a concentration in human performance and athletic development. His expertise lies in functional training, metabolic health, sports nutrition, sports medicine, and sleep therapy. He utilizes science based medicine and literature to help maximize his clients training performance and daily lifestyle. He’s worked with several clients, helping them lose weight, improve performance, improve their sleep cycle, muscle building, and appropriate nutrient supplementing.