Performance Enhancing Drugs
Performance Enhancing Drugs are substances taken by people who wish to gain an advantage in competitive sports, improve physical appearance, or for rehabilitation. These drugs are typically consumed to promote lean muscle mass, stimulate focus and energy, and help to reduce pain before, during, and after exercise. However, when taken without a prescription and without supervision by a licensed medical practitioner, they can be highly dangerous.
The use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone is prohibited in nearly all competitive sports, and the side effects are potentially gruesome and life-altering. Register at (888) 378-2499 for urine tests that can detect performance enhancing drugs at over 5000 clinics nationwide.
Commonly Abused Performance Enhancing Drugs
Anabolic steroids are the most common form of performance-enhancing drugs and the most dangerous. Their goal is to increase protein in cells to enhance physical development. Long-term use can raise the blood pressure and lead to stroke or heart attack. Research links anabolic steroids to gynecomastia — breast development in men — and testicular atrophy (testicles can shrink to the size of peanuts).
Steroid use is an ongoing issue in both amateur and professional sports. Health Street offers two forms of testing for anabolic steroids. The amateur test can be used for high school and college levels, while the Pro Anabolic Steroid Test is suitable for any athlete. Both tests look at hormones or the metabolites of hormones to find out what has been consumed. Some steroid formulations include the following drugs, many of which are available for other, legitimate purposes, but are frequently combined or recombined to sell to athletes as steroids.
Human growth hormone is a naturally occurring substance that promotes reproduction and regeneration in cells. When taken as a supplement, HGH can enhance athletic performance, especially in male athletes, but will raise hormones up 100 times their normal levels. Once a user stops treatments, they experience lower than average stamina and excess fatigue.