[ click to enlarge ]
1. Drug testing for ephedrine

2. Sterioid use may stunt growth

3. Measuring up


4. Cardiac problems may also result from steroid use.

5. NEWS REPORT: Drugs and Athletics

 

CONCERNS

EPHEDRINE (AND OTHER STIMULANTS) HAS MANY SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of stimulant use, ephedrine in particular, include:

    • nervousness
    • dizziness
    • tremors
    • rapid heart rate
    • headaches
    • jitters
    • palpitations
    • insomnia
    • increased blood pressure

ANABOLIC STEROIDS CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS
IN MALES

Repeated use of anabolic steroids in males shuts down the production of testosterone, reducing androgenic effects. The following can happen:

  • Stunted growth
  • Baldness
  • Increased breast and nipple size
  • Reduced sperm count
  • Impotence
  • Enlarged prostate gland

IN FEMALES

Since anabolic steroids act like testosterone, and females don’t usually produce very much of this hormone, females may experience male-like side effects in addition to other effects:

  • Increased body & facial hair
  • Deepened voice
  • Head hair thinning or balding
  • Reduced breast size
  • Enlarged clitoris
  • Menstrual problems

IN EVERYONE

And more problems...

  • High blood pressure, heart disease
  • Liver damage and cancers
  • Stroke and blood clots
  • Urinary and bowel problems
  • Headaches, aching joints, cramps
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Sleep problems
  • Increased risk of ligament and tendon injuries
  • Severe acne on face and back

Steroids can also have the following effects on the mind and behavior:

  • Severe mood swings
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety, panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Anger, hostility, or irritability towards other people

Anabolic steroids are particularly dangerous for adolescents because their bones are still developing. Anabolic steroids can halt bone growth.

EPO USE IN ATHLETES CAN BE DANGEROUS
First of all, even when used by patients who need it, EPO can raise the blood pressure, produce seizures (though rarely), and activate the immune system – as is often the risk with therapeutic proteins. However, EPO has not produced immunogenic reactions in a significant number of patients.

The real danger to athletes taking the drug is overdose – ultimately this may cause an abnormal increase in blood cells (primarily red blood cells). The blood can actually thicken, becoming viscous. The increase in viscosity makes the heart work harder to pump blood through the body. In addition, the probability of internal blood clotting is increased. Such a condition can increase the tendency for blood clots, strokes, and even heart attacks.

All these factors make EPO abuse a health risk to all athletes engaged in its practice. Among cyclists alone, EPO abuse is thought to have caused 20 sudden deaths in recent years.

THE STORY OF KELLI WHITE
American sprinter Kelli White missed the 2004 Olympic Games after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. She was also stripped of her 100-meter and 200-meter gold medals from the 2003 world championships.White accepted a two-year suspension after the agency acquired evidence that she took undetectable steroids and EPO.

White said she has decided to acknowledge her mistakes and to assist the Anti-Doping Agency in its efforts to clean up the sport of track and field. "In doing this, I have not only cheated myself, but also my family, friends and sport," she said in a statement. "I am sorry for the poor choices I have made."



Return to RISE