Performance Enhancing Drugs: What are They and are They Safe?
Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are drugs that can alter the human body and the way it functions. Many of these drugs, when taken in the correct dosage and used with a doctor’s supervision, can be used to treat medical disorders. However, misuse of PEDs can cause long lasting and irreversible damage. PEDs are often misused to increase strength and physical ability. Some side effects are mild and can be reversed if the user stops taking them, but others can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage to the body.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List is a document that identifies performance enhancing drugs that are prohibited in sports. Use the list below to learn more about common PEDs found on the WADA List and how misusing these drugs may impact your health.
Types of Performance Enhancing Drugs
Anabolic Steroids Such as Testosterone
These compounds are the most commonly used PEDs. In the medical field, these substances are used to treat delayed puberty or increase muscle strength and recovery.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Acne
- Male pattern baldness
- Liver damage
- Stunted growth
- Increased aggressiveness
Gender specific side effects from misuse (male):
- Breast tissue development
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Reduction in sperm production
Gender specific side effects form misuse (female):
- Deepening of the voice
- Hair growth on the face, stomach, and upper back
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Enlarged clitoris
- Breast development stops
Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, and Related Substances
These compounds are used for muscle and bone growth and are sometimes used in the treatment of cancer or for babies born early.
Potential side effects from misuse of erythropoietin (EPO):
- Hypertension
- Blood Cancer/leukemia
- Anemia
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary embolism
Potential side effects from misuse of Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
- Thyroid problems
- Severe headaches
- Loss of vision
- High blood pressure and heart failure
- Diabetes and tumors
- Arthritis
Beta-2 Agonists
Medically, these compounds are used to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases. When high levels of these compounds are found in the blood, they have performance enhancing effects.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Nervousness
- Increased heart rate
Diuretics
Medically, these compounds are used to treat hypertension, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. If diuretics are taken without medical supervision, they can decrease potassium and in rare cases cause death.
- Potential side effects from misuse:
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fainting
- Drop in blood pressure
- Loss of coordination and balance
Stimulants
The primary medical use for these substances is to treat ADHD, asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity. Overusing stimulants can be detrimental to your health.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Weight Loss
- Dependence and addiction
- Dehydration
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmia
Blood Doping
The process of reintroducing blood or red blood cell products into the circulatory system (the system responsible for carrying blood throughout your body) to increase the amount of red blood cells in the body. An increase in red blood cells allows the body to transport more oxygen to working muscles and increase endurance.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Blood thickening and clotting
- Increased stress on the heart
- Stroke
- Increased risk of blood born disease from when receiving blood through a transfusion
Narcotics
Small doses of narcotics are used to relieve pain and help people fall asleep. The misuse of narcotics can cause respiratory issues and in rare cases death.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- A false sense of invincibility
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased pain threshold and failure to recognize injury
- Decreased heart rate
- Physical and psychological dependence
Beta Blockers
These compounds are used in a medical setting to treat hypertension, a fast heart rate, severe chest pain, migraine, and anxiety
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Sleep disorders
- Spasm of the airways
Corticosteroids
Medically, these compounds are used to treat allergies, asthma, inflammatory conditions, and skin disorders.
Potential side effects from misuse:
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weakening of injured areas in muscle, bone, tendon, or ligament
- Decreased or stunted growth