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."

Tags:testosterone, pro-hormones, muscle, andro

Abstract
This paper discusses that 60 percent of athletes in high school and college sports use artificial supplements to gain weight mass and to become stronger faster. After his research, the author believes firmly that these supplements should be banned from athletics all together. The paper states that fans don't care as long as they are entertained and are having fun at games. Coaches just want their teams to be successful, which sometimes includes doing other forms of training or aids to help the athletes.

From the Paper
"According to this article, Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid in everyone's body. It is taken to significantly enhance reserves in your muscle fuel tank, allowing you to work out longer and more intensely. Creatine monohydrate, the most common form of creatine, is commercially available as powder, gum, candy, tablets, and gel. It is available in pure form or combined with other dietary supplements (e.g. carbohydrates, amino acids, electrolytes, and/or herbal preparations). There is no evidence to show that it's anabolic--that is, that it's going to build muscle in and of itself. But it could lead to modest muscle gain because it allows you to work out harder. Androstenedione is a sex steroid hormone, which is converted in your body to testosterone."

Tags:safety, coaches, ban, testosterone, steroid

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). "

Tags:ncaa, prescription, hormone, drugs, competitive, advantage

Abstract
This paper examines the use of creatine monohydrate as a dietary supplement, which dates back as far as the 1920s. The supplement was used by athletes in Europe before its recent debut in the U.S. which is aimed at athletes and body builders. Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid derivative that is formed in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine monohydrate can also be obtained from food, particularly red meat. The musculature of the body has the ability to store more creatine than is used in a typical diet. Athletes take advantage of this ability by literally stuffing a muscle with creatine. This allows for expanded storage and the swifter conversion into adenosine triphosphate. Used over a protracted period of time, the result will be greater hypertrophy and the ability to sustain a longer and more intense workout. It is believed that creatine has a direct anabolic effect on the muscles by acting as a signal to increase protein synthesis during activity overload. This paper focuses on the controversy surrounding the use of the supplement. While supposed links between creatine and the deaths of several wrestlers have been disproved, studies have nonetheless shown that heavy loading is unnecessary and may be counterproductive, if not dangerous.

Table of Contents:
How Creatine Monohydrate Works
Why the Controversy?
Creatine and the Kidneys
The Best Way to Use Creatine
Creatine and Androstenedione
Scientific Studies of Creatine Use
Is It Good or Is It Bad?
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"There is a school of though that suggest a phased method of creatine use. A high dosage is used for five days, with the ingesting of as much as 20 grams per day in four doses. The dosage is then reduced to a level just high enough to keep the muscles loaded. Research has indicated that this regimen is not as effective as it was originally thought to be. Continuing to take his doses of creatine after the muscles are saturated will result in the elimination of creating the rough the urinary tract. The increased urinary excretion places stress on the kidneys and liver. Tests have shown that in a loading phase, creatine efficacy peaks at day six and its effects begin to decrease from that time. On the other hand a steady creatine uptake without loading lasts through day 15 and positive effects can last for up to 56 days."

Tags:body, builders, athletes, drugs, anabolic, steroids, risk, death

Abstract
This paper examines when the use of steroids was first brought to the attention of the sports world. It then examines how and why steroids are being used by players. The paper looks at examples of players found guilty of using steroids and concludes with the health risks associated with steroid use.

From the Paper
"The problems arise as the players use very large quantities of these chemicals and that is the danger of their use. When individuals receive testosterone injections for medical purposes, they receive a dose that amounts to about 15 mg a day through Dianabol. On the other hand, the players consume even 300 mg a day. This poses great dangers as these put on a super physiological level on the body causing the blueprints of the genetic make up to be changed."

Tags:Androstenedione, muscle, Dianabol, performance, enhancing

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."

Tags:andro, androstenedione, athletes, side, effects, testing

Abstract
This paper uses explanations and many technical chemistry terms. It is written using a lot of chemistry terminology, but maintains a coherent voice. The paper covers how steroids used to be administered, why newer steroids are given the way they are, and what the advantages are to the different types of drugs and delivery methods.

From the Paper
"The new technology in prohormones hitting the market are Lipophilic ester and ethers, and are being touted as the first truly effective solutions to the poor oral bioavailability of many such supplements. And there is a tremendous amount of promise with this technology if properly applied. Supplement manufacturers have been looking for a solution to problems with oral dosing for some time, and they knew they had a true advance on their hands in this area. Chemists went through great lengths not to just drop powder into a capsule, but to develop a series of ether-modified, oil-solubilized, softgel-encapsulated prohormones."

Tags:androstenedione, chemistry