Abstract This paper looks at the muscle building synthetic hormone called androstenedione or androstenediol, also nicknamed ?andro? which became the first in a list of performance-enhancing substances called pro-hormones. It is called a pro-hormone because it is a precursor to testosterone and metabolizes directly into testosterone and is commonly used by athletes. It analyzes the so called beneficial effects which make ?andro? attractive to males of different persuasions with (mostly) cosmetic, non life threatening problems and how research has shown that the negative effects far outweigh the potential benefits. It looks at how aggressive behavior, mood swings and bad moods are commonly reported side effects of androstenedione as well as hair loss, blurred vision, acne, enlarged breasts, shrunken testicles and rarely, liver cancer.
From the Paper "Androstenedione is also naturally produced by the adrenal gland in humans. Androstenedione was first synthesized in 1935. (Ruzicka and Wettstein, 1935) In 1936, world expert on steroid hormones, Dr. Charles Kochakian, was the first to show that androstenedione produced both androgenic and anabolic effects. But the anabolic effects were significant only in castrated dogs, and even then were much weaker than effects of testosterone. (Kochakian and Murlin, 1936) Its variants are commonly found in the pollen of Scotch pine trees. Androstenedione, when taken orally, will increase blood levels of both Androstenedione and testosterone. According to the German patent given for Androstenedione, 50mg given orally to men raised plasma testosterone levels up to 20 per cent; 100mg raised levels higher than 35 per cent. Blood levels start rising about 15 minutes after oral administration and stay elevated for around three hours."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of performance enhancing drugs in the form of over the counter nutritional supplements. In particular it talks about ephedra, androstenedione (andro) and creatine within the context of the sports world today. It discusses the pharmacology of all three, their health risks and why the NCAA have chosen to legalize or illegalize these three drugs. They are all legal to purchase without a prescription, but ephedra and androstenedione have been banned by a majority of sports governing bodies and creatine has caused more problems than any nutritional aid has ever caused a sport governing body.
From the Paper "Androstenedione is also known as Andro or the Mark McGuire drug. Shortly after breaking the homerun record, "Big Mac" came out and said that he used the supplement to gain a competitive advantage. Andro gives an athlete this "competitive edge" by working in a way similar to anabolic steroids. It is what is called a pro-hormone. It is part of the final product, testosterone. The supplement is supposed to increase the amount of testosterone in men much the same way as anabolics, but with out going to the extremes of pure anabolic steroids. A person could think of it as light steroids, except for the fact that it doesn?t work. It has been proven however to increase the levels of estrogen in the male system. This can cause many steroid like side effects, but without steroid like strength gains (Sports, 2001). "
Abstract Today, the list of performance enhancing drugs is vast. It spans from steroids to nutritional supplements, from synthetic drugs to natural ingredients, from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medicines. These drugs are criticized and analyzed for their safety, legality and morality. This paper argues against the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports. It mentions athletes in the history of sports who, knowingly or unknowingly, used drugs. It also shows how athletes can be discouraged from using drugs through the introduction of stricter penalties.
From the Paper "Not many athletes are standing up proudly and shouting about their steroid abuse. Mark McGuire and Raphael Palmeiro have denied their steroid use, even after testing positive. For many Olympic events, we have heard the rumors of whole teams using steroids. East German sports boss, Manfred Ewald, was convicted of doping his athletes. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sidney, China removed four of its swimmers for failing drug test. We have seen our beloved Olympic heroes follow the same path. Michelle Smith, gold medalist in the 400 freestyle, was banned for 4 years for steroid use."
Abstract The paper reviews the history of anabolic steroids and explains how they affect the body. It reviews potential dangers in steroid use and abuse, both physical and mental, and attempts to gauge the extent of abuse. The paper reviews players' attitudes to steroid use in professional sports and recounts several incidents where players were caught using steroids. In conclusion, the paper finds that only education of athletes and potential athletes - adolescents - will reduce the demand for, and eventually the abuse of, steroids in sports.
Table of Contents:
Statement of Controversy
Discussion
Implications
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "In addition to the physical side effects, the use of anabolic steroids also causes psychological side effects. The drugs become extremely addictive and damaging to the mind. They can cause violent episodes, and become so psychologically addicting that users are unable to recognize the negative side effects. Additionally, research has shown that steroids sometimes cause psychotic side effects, which have been nicknamed as "roid mania." The symptoms include wildly aggressive and combative behavior, depression, listlessness, and delusions during and after performance. For example, athletes who use steroids have been shown to attempt to continue the competition after the end of a game. Steroids mentally destroy the brain and the ability to reason. Overall the usage of steroids is extremely damaging to the human body."
