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). Though their muscles may grow, clearly not many men would be pleased with either of those side outcomes.

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 is 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.

Boldenone — brand names: Equipoise and Ultragan, available primarily for veterinary use.

Methandienone — brand names: Averbol and Danabol, used by bodybuilders to increase protein synthesis.

Methyltestosterone — brand names; Android, Testred, and Virilon, prescribed for men with testosterone deficiency.

Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone) — brand name: Deca-Durabolin, offered for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Oxandrolone — brand name: Anavar, used as a treatment for HIV muscle wasting and osteoporosis.

Oxymetholone — brand names: Anadrol and Anapolon, prescribed to treat osteoporosis and anemia.

Stanozolol — brand name: Winstrol, used to treat hereditary angioedema and anemia.

Probenecid — brand name: Probalan, prescribed as a treatment for gout.

Clenbuterol — brand names: Spiropent and Ventipulmin, often prescribed as a bronchodilator.