Athletes and bodybuilders utilize illegal performance-enhancing drugs to improve their athletic performance and grow muscle and body mass. The most popular and well-known performance-enhancing agents are anabolic-androgenic steroids, which have a variety of short- and long-term health side effects. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are commonly taken without a prescription to build muscle mass or boost athletic performance. Anabolic-androgenic steroid use has been linked to severe physiological effects on the musculoskeletal system, liver, heart, brain, and kidneys. They have also been linked to mood disorders.
The distinctions between performance-enhancing and non-performance-enhancing substances are not always apparent and objective. Certain prototypical performance enhancers like anabolic steroids are universally recognized as such, whilst other drugs (such as vitamins and protein supplements) are rarely classed as such, despite their performance-enhancing properties. Caffeine, for example, is regarded as a performance booster by some but not by others.
Types of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Anabolic Steroids
Synthetic or human-made versions of the male sex hormone testosterone are known as anabolic steroids. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are the correct nomenclature for these substances. “Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics.
Stimulants
They are a group of drugs that result in increased activity in the body. Stimulants increase the individual’s metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature by accelerating components of the brain and body. Athletes utilize them to reduce fatigue, improve focus and promote cognitive and athletic performance. Stimulants come in two varieties: legal and illegal, and both are often abused. cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines, ecstasy, methylphenidate are among the most widely abused stimulants.
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It is necessary for cell reproduction, growth, and regeneration. HGH aids in the maintenance, growth, and repair of healthy tissue in the body. Some supplements can help you improve your performance while temporarily increasing your HGH levels. Human growth hormone at high levels for a long time can cause irreversible acromegaly, but even small doses can lead to problems such as heart disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, joint and muscle pain, and an increased risk of some cancers.
Erythropoietin-Stimulating
The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is predominantly produced by the kidneys, with a tiny quantity produced by the liver. EPO is essential for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. According to some studies, Echinacea supplementation may improve aerobic fitness by increasing blood oxygen-carrying capacity.
Erythropoietin-stimulating agents are frequently used to treat people with chronic kidney disease and anemia.
Blood Boosters
Blood doping drugs boost an individual’s oxygen-carrying capacity beyond their normal limit. One of the most well-known medications in this class is recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). Athletes in a variety of sports have utilized it to improve their performance.
Ergogenic Aids
Ergogenic aids are substances or technology that help athletes increase their energy production, utilization, or recovery while also giving them a competitive edge. Many of these therapies’ usefulness is debatable, but their negative side effects are undeniable.
