Harmful Effects of Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sports
Doping: Health Risks for Athletes
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone, such as Oxymetholone, Nandrolone, Methandrostenolone, Testosterone Cypionate, and Stanozolol. These hormones are responsible for sexual characteristics and muscle development. Using these substances without medical supervision poses serious health risks because:
- They are not selective and can affect other organs.
- Stopping them can cause a rebound effect due to a lack of natural hormone production, potentially leading to feminization (e.g., enlarged breasts, gynecomastia, hair loss).
- Incorrect dosage can easily lead to exceeding safe limits.
They can cause liver toxicity, liver tumors, infertility, impotence, fluid retention, gallstones, kidney disease, gynecomastia, masculinization in women, growth disorders in children, hypogonadism (incomplete genital development), cardiovascular disorders, acne, and psychological disorders.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system. They are used to reduce fatigue and increase attention and confidence. However, when their effects wear off, a rebound effect occurs, leading to continued use to maintain the desired state. They can be very dangerous, potentially causing sudden death from cardiovascular collapse due to masking fatigue.
Growth Hormone
Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland to support growth. It has a dual action: anabolic and energetic (favoring the use of carbohydrates and lipids during physical exertion). Side effects include a tendency towards diabetes, abnormalities in calcium metabolism, and characteristic hypertrophy of the hands, feet, and skull.
Autologous Blood Transfusion
This technique increases the number of red blood cells (responsible for oxygen transport). Blood samples are taken from athletes during high-altitude training when red blood cell levels are high. Risks include infection, hemolysis (which can cause kidney problems), and allergic reactions to substances used for blood storage.
Stimulants
Athletes use stimulants like ephedrine, codeine, and caffeine for their stimulating effects. However, uncontrolled use can lead to irritability, tremors, palpitations, nervousness, and insomnia. Ephedrine and codeine are common ingredients in medications for rheumatism, cough, and lung conditions, making it easy to misuse them.
Opioid Analgesics
Opioid analgesics allow athletes to push past their fatigue threshold or continue exercising despite injuries. This can obviously worsen injuries. Additionally, these substances can cause respiratory depression when the athlete needs more oxygen.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers, such as Clenbuterol, block beta-receptors, preventing adrenaline and noradrenaline from binding. This results in various effects, including slowing of the heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and muscle relaxation. Some beta-blockers also have anabolic effects. They can cause severe slowing of the heart rate, leading to brownouts, collapse, and fainting.
Diuretics
Diuretics are a group of drugs that increase urine production. They also eliminate essential ions like potassium, which is crucial for proper heart function. Diuretic abuse can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), causing cardiac arrhythmias and potentially death.
Erythropoietin (EPO)
EPO is a hormone produced in the kidney that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. This increases blood and muscle oxygenation. However, it thickens the blood, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.