For most athletes the drive to win can be intense and often times performance needs to be matched. Aside from the desire to win, they also have a passion for performing at a high level. This is why it is very common for them to use performance-enhancing drugs.
Performance-enhancing substances are drugs that are used to improve a person’s performance. They can be used to enhance various athletic activities.
In sports, doping is a well-known example of cheating. Athletes use banned substances in order to enhance their performance. These substances are often referred to as ergogenic aids.
The number of teenagers and children using performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids has significantly risen over the past decade. A study revealed that 3.3% of high school students use steroids. Another report revealed that 8% of girls and 12% of boys use products to improve their strength and appearance (1).
In addition, some students use cognitive performance-enhancing drugs to improve their academic performance. Military personnel also use banned substances to enhance their combat skills.
Some factors associated with the use of performance enhancement drugs
Looking back the past 25 years, the number of young athletes participating in organized sports has significantly increased. It is estimated that there are over 30 million adolescents and children participating in various forms of organized sports.
In 1972, the passage of Title IX, which provided equal opportunities for women and men in college athletics, led to an increase in the number of female athletes. In 2000, there were around 3 million female high school athletes. In 2007, this number has remained the same.
Due to the increasing number of children participating in athletic competitions, the stress levels have increased. This is because the coaches, parents, and players are all pushing themselves to perform at a high level. This can lead to various benefits such as increased self-confidence and a drive for hard work.
Unfortunately, this drive can also turn negative when it comes to competing and winning. When athletes lose sight of the importance of fair competition, they can become more susceptible to performance-enhancing drugs.
Over the years, there have been many instances of athletes using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to improve their skills and compete at a high level. During the Olympic Games, cash awards were handed out to the winners. At that time, athletes would typically consume large amounts of herbs and meat in order to gain an advantage. They would also drink a type of opium known as “doop.” The term “doping” was coined after they consumed a type of opium juice.
During the Roman era, gladiators used to ingest strychnine in order to decrease their fatigue and avoid getting injured. During the 1950s, Russia’s wrestlers were given testosterone injections. Sports Illustrated also reported that professional athletes used various drugs, including cocaine, amphetamines, tranquilizers and even recreational drugs. In 1988, Ben Johnson set a world record in the 100-meter dash, but he was later stripped of his title after testing positive for steroids.
Due to the concerns about the possible effects of performance-enhancing drugs on the development and performance of children, professional athletes have been carefully monitored for the use of substances that can enhance their training. However, despite the efforts, many athletes still test positive for steroids and other illicit substances (1a).
Types of Performance Enhancement Drugs
Although the definitions of performance-enhancing substances vary, they are generally regarded as being similar to those used for other purposes. For instance, steroids are generally regarded as such when they are used to enhance performance. On the other hand, vitamins and protein supplements are not considered performance-enhancing substances despite their effects.
Although some substances are regarded as performance-enhancing, some are not. For instance, caffeine is not considered a performance enhancer for some people.
Stimulants
Stimulants can improve alertness and focus and promote athletic performance. They can also be used in combination with other drugs to improve mental and athletic performance. For instance, they can be used in long-range exercises such as tennis and team sports to improve muscle strength and endurance. They work by increasing the levels of catecholamine and agonistic activity at the receptor.
Examples of stimulants include amphetamines, caffeine, and methylphenidate. These drugs can be widely accessible and can be used in competitive sports. However, they can also have negative effects such as arrhythmia, headaches, weight loss, and hypertension. Some of these are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Although stimulants can help boost athletic performance, they can also have side effects that can prevent people from being able to perform at their best.
Some of the risks associated with using stimulants include irritability and nervousness, which can prevent an athlete from focusing on the task at hand. Insomnia can also prevent an athlete from getting adequate sleep.
Athletes are prone to using higher doses of stimulants due to their tolerance or addiction. This means that they need more to achieve their desired effect.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced from testosterone and are used to treat various conditions. They can prevent the breakdown of muscle and maintain its mass. They work by increasing the level of nitrogen in the muscle.
Anabolic steroids can be taken either through injection or transdermal method. The most potent and long-lasting forms of these drugs are injected.
Possible side effects include muscle growth, acne, increased blood pressure, thrombosis, low levels of high-density lipoproteins, decreased libido, liver carcinoma, septic arthritis, psychosis, and depression.
Men are prone to experiencing various side effects, such as prostate cancer and male pattern baldness. On the other hand, women are more prone to experiencing side effects such as breast atrophy, hirsutism, and vocal cord atrophy.
A urine sample is analyzed to determine the ratio of epitestosterone to testosterone. A positive test for this substance is considered a result of a 4:1 ratio. Two laws, the Anabolic Steroid Act of 1990 and the Anti-Doping Act of 1988, classify steroids as illegal substances when they are not used for disease treatment.
Many athletes take steroids at doses that are higher than those that they are prescribed for medical purposes. Anabolic steroids have serious side effects.
Men may increase the chance to develop:
- Prominent breasts
- Infertility
- Prostate gland enlargement
- Shrunken testicles
Women may increase chances to develop:
- An enlarged clitoris, which may be irreversible
- Baldness, which may be irreversible
- Increased body hair
- Infrequent or absent periods
- A deeper voice, which may be irreversible
Both men and women might experience:
- Severe acne
- Liver abnormalities and tumors
- Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture
- Heart and blood circulation problems
- Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
- Psychiatric disorders, such as depression
- Drug dependence
- Infections or diseases such as HIV or hepatitis if you’re injecting the drugs
- Severe acne
- Liver abnormalities and tumors
- Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture
- Heart and blood circulation problems
- Psychiatric disorders, such as depression
- Drug dependence
- Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
- Infections or diseases such as HIV or hepatitis if you’re injecting the drugs
- Inhibited growth and development, and risk of future health problems in teenagers
- Inhibited growth and development, and risk of future health problems in teenagers
Ergogenic Aids
Performance-enhancing substances, such as ergogenic aids, are various drugs that can improve a person’s physical performance. Some of these include methylphenidate and amphetamine, which can increase a person’s power output at a constant level of perceived exertion. Bupropion can also help boost a person’s power output during a short period of time.
Others may include;
Creatine: Many athletes supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals instead of using performance-enhancing drugs. These products can be purchased over-the-counter. One of the most popular supplements for athletes is the product known as creatine monohydrate.
The body produces this compound naturally, which helps release energy. According to scientific studies, it can help improve muscle performance by producing small gains during short bursts of power.
However, there’s not enough evidence supporting the use of this compound in endurance or aerobic sports. It can help increase the production of adenosine triphosphate, which is a type of energy storage.
Possible side effects of creatine that can decrease athletic performance include:
- Stomach cramps
- Weight gain
- Muscle cramps
Human biomolecules, such as -hydroxy -methylbutyrate and creatine, are known to have well-established effects on the body’s composition and ergogenic properties.
Human growth hormone is an important component of athletic performance that can improve muscle mass and strength. However, it’s not known if it can improve endurance or strength. Athletes can take it without a prescription.
One of the most common substances used by professional athletes is hGH, which has a small window for detection. It promotes the release of growth factors, which can lead to various health conditions. Some of these side effects include diabetes, kidney failure, and cardiomyopathy.
Although hGH is not a banned substance in competition, it can still be detected through various methods. One of these is the isoform test, which can detect changes in the structure of the growth hormone in the blood. Another method is the markers test, which can measure changes in the serum protein ratios.
Adverse effects related to human growth hormone range in severity and may include:
- Joint pain
- Fluid retention
- Diabetes
- Vision problems
- Muscle weakness
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
- Impaired glucose regulation
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Adaptogens
An adaptogenic action is a plant’s ability to support a person’s health through non-specific effects. It can also neutralize various physical and environmental stressors without causing side effects. However, the term is not widely used in the clinical and pharmacological literature. In 2008, the agency of the European Medicines Agency stated that further studies are needed to clarify the concept of this action.
Androstenedione
The name of this hormone is androsterone, which is produced by the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. It’s usually converted to estrogen and testosterone.
Although androsterone is legally available in the US, it is illegal to use it as a performance-enhancing drug.
According to various publications and manufacturers, androsterone can help athletes recover faster and train harder. However, scientific studies have refuted these claims.
Side effects of andro in men include:
- Acne
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Diminished sperm production
- Enlargement of the breasts
In women, side effects include:
- Masculinization, such as deepening of the voice and male-pattern baldness
- Acne
Blood Boosters
In addition to increasing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, blood doping agents can also be used in endurance sports such as cycling and running. One of the most common drugs used in this class is recombinant human erythropoietin.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin, also known as EPO, is a hormone that increases the production of red blood cells. It is commonly used by endurance athletes. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, while protecting the red blood cells from destruction.
It can cause various side effects, such as an increase in the blood viscosity and dehydration. It is a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. In urine samples, the substance can be tested using an electrophoresis technique.
How does performance enhancement drugs affect the body?
Due to the increasing attention given to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, many people are asking how they affect one’s body. This is an important question that the USADA and other organizations working against drug use are trying to answer.
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) can alter the biological functions and human body in various ways, such as improving athletic performance. While they can be incredibly dangerous, they can also have detrimental effects on an individual’s body. As a result, the USADA’s mission is to make sure that no athlete ever has to consider using these drugs to succeed in sport (2).
Some athletes use steroids to increase their strength and muscle mass. These substances are referred to as anabolic-androgenic steroids. The main steroid hormone that’s produced by the body is testosterone.
One of the main effects of testosterone is its ability to promote muscle growth. Androgenic effects, on the other hand, are responsible for male traits such as a deeper voice and facial hair.
Some athletes use steroids to improve their athletic performance. These substances are usually synthetic versions of testosterone. Although they’re approved for medical use, they can’t improve an individual’s athletic performance.
Besides improving an individual’s athletic performance, steroids can also help them recover faster and more effectively from a hard workout. This is because they can reduce the damage that occurs during a hard exercise. In addition to being able to make an individual’s muscles bigger, steroids can also improve their appearance (3).
How it works?
A well-defined understanding of the metabolites, steroids, and testosterone is essential for developing effective analytical procedures. Testosterone is a naturally-occurring hormone that is the native receptor for the androgen receptor.
The androgen receptor is activated when it binds to androgens such as testosterone. This can result in various performance-enhancing effects, such as increased bone density and muscle strength.
While increased bone density and muscle strength are often considered as an advantage for athletes, the production of red blood cells can also help fuel recovery and energy production. This is why testosterone is often used as a component of steroids.
How are performance enhancement drugs detected?
Identification of the major metabolites of a drug is the first step in developing a urine, saliva, or blood test. The human body produces two types of compounds: epitestosterone and natural testosterone. One of the first methods to detect these two compounds was by measuring the ratio of these two hormones in urine samples.
If the T/E ratio exceeds 4, it is suspected that an individual has used an exogenous testosterone product. To confirm the presence of this substance, the laboratory can use the isotopic ratio of 13C-12C in T to measure the presence of it. This method was used in the investigation of Floyd Landis, who was accused of doping during the 2006 Tour de France.
When a steroidal drug is first introduced to the competitive scene, it’s the regulators’ responsibility to understand its metabolism and properties to identify its potential users. In 1988, for instance, Ben Johnson, a sprinter, was stripped of his Olympic gold medal after he tested positive for the drug stanozolol. Researchers had to develop a method to detect this drug, as its metabolism can be very sensitive.
The main route to the metabolism of stanozolol is through the vertical pathway of Figure 2B. This pathway is followed by the sample preparation required to detect its various metabolites. However, the drug also produces a second type of metabolite called 17-epistanozolol-N-glucuronide.
This substance can be detected almost a month after the administration of stanozolol. To identify this drug’s metabolites, a combination of methods was developed. These include the use of electrospray ion exchange and liquid mass chromatography. Through these techniques, the researchers were able to create ions that can be used to identify and characterize the compounds in the sample (3).
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