Live Large, Die Large: The Dangers of Performance Enhancing Drugs

This one is for the bros. In a world driven by the pursuit of excellence, it's no surprise that many individuals, particularly athletes and bodybuilders, turn to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in search of that extra edge. These substances promise rapid muscle growth, enhanced endurance, improved recovery, and superior athletic performance. Often overlooked are the significant dangers associated with these substances, particularly in the hands of uninformed individuals. In this post, we will briefly explore the complex world of PEDs.

What Are PEDs?

PEDs are drugs, substances or compounds used to improve physical performance, muscle growth, and overall athletic abilities. They come in various forms, including anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), stimulants, and even diuretics. Athletes and bodybuilders commonly use these substances to gain a competitive edge or to achieve a specific physique.

Some common types are:

• Anabolic-androgenic Steroids: These are synthetic forms of testosterone, which can support protein synthesis for increased muscle growth and faster recovery. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has legitimate medical applications for individuals with low testosterone levels. Increasing testosterone exogenously can impede the body’s natural ability to produce the hormone. Furthermore, synthetic variations that are chemically similar like trenbolone are far more potent and exhibit extreme results and extreme side effects like hyper-aggression.
  

• Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Naturally occurring in the body, HGH stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and tissue regeneration. HGH supports the growth of bones and tissues by enhancing protein synthesis and promoting lipolysis (fat breakdown). 
  

• Diuretics: These substances increase urine production, aiding in the elimination of excess water and salt, and causing rapid weight loss.
  

• Beta Blockers: Prescribed to manage high blood pressure and anxiety, beta blockers block the effects of adrenaline.

The Paradox

Baked into the definition of competition is to compete. To compete, athletes need to gain a competitive edge. The dilemma is that PEDs do provide a competitive edge, often, a significant one. Traditionally, gaining that edge came in the form of training, repetition, sports science, nutrition, and technology. While these methods play a significant role, at the elite level, differences are measured in millimetres. Even athletes with superior genetics may find it difficult to avoid taking these substances as their peers begin to surpass their abilities. For example, in sports like bodybuilding, it is impossible to compete at the elite level without PEDs.

Sex sells

There was a time when the use of PEDs was taboo and limited to the world of professional athletes. Those days are gone, now, PEDs have permeated various sports and communities and are no longer limited to elite-level athletic performance. The phenomenon of PED use extends to fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders aiming for rapid muscle growth. Many individuals turn to PEDs out of the desire to stand out or succeed. In today’s modern fitness landscape, where ordinary gym goers can become influencers by posting images of themselves with a pump and good lighting, the incentive is clear as day. The fitness industry has been consumed by saucy Instagram pictures of young people with exogenous hormones pumping through their veins. It is an important consideration to keep in mind as many of the images seen online are not only enhanced with filters but in many cases enhanced with PEDs.

Usage Amongst Young People

Not only is PED use becoming more prevalent among amateurs, but an even more pressing concern is its use among young people. A culture shift, easy access to drugs, and a wealth of online misinformation have brewed an environment where adolescents see it fit to seek out performance enhancers when their performance is no way near capacity. A systematic review of 52 studies investigating factors that predict doping among young people identified nine key predictors, including gender, age, sports participation, psychological variables, entourage, ethnicity, non-sporting activities, and health-harming behaviours. Males were more likely to use PEDs, with factors like entourage influence, and non-sporting activities contributing to gender differences. The prevalence of PED abuse increased with age, highlighting the importance of early education starting in childhood. Self-esteem, resisting social pressure and perfectionism were identified as protective mechanisms.

Short-Term Side Effects

• Mood Swings: PEDs can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, leading to mood swings, aggression, and irritability.

• Heart Problems: Some PEDs, like stimulants, can put a significant strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure.

• Liver and Kidney Damage: Certain PEDs can damage vital organs like the liver and kidneys, impairing their function.

• Gynecomastia: Anabolic steroids can lead to the development of breast tissue in males, a condition known as gynecomastia.

• Acne and Skin Issues: Skin problems like acne are common short-term side effects of PED use as they stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, causing pores to block.

Long-Term Side Effects

• Hormonal Imbalances: Prolonged use of PEDs can lead to severe hormonal imbalances, causing infertility, impotence, and menstrual irregularities.

• Cardiovascular Complications: Chronic use of PEDs can contribute to the development of heart disease, strokes, and blood clots.

• Liver and Kidney Failure: Long-term PED use can ultimately lead to liver and kidney failure, necessitating transplantation.

• Psychological Effects: Users may experience severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies.

• Addiction: Some individuals become psychologically dependent on PEDs, making it challenging to quit even after acknowledging the risks.

Natural ways to modulate testosterone and performance

Nutrition: Optimal nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving peak performance. A comprehensive diet provides essential nutrients that support muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

Creatine: While PEDs promise shortcuts, creatine can enhance performance safely when combined with a healthy diet and appropriate exercise. Modern diets have made creatine deficiencies very common, meaning doses of up to 5g per day may offer significant improvements to performance.

Training: A well-structured training program, tailored to individual goals, can maximise performance gains without resorting to PEDs.

Rest and Recovery: Adequate sleep and recovery are often underestimated. They are essential for muscle repair and overall well-being. Other things like cold and heat exposure, and massage can also assist with recovery.

Competition: Competition elevates testosterone levels in both men and women, particularly during sports, as the body prepares for a challenge and rewards inherent in competition. Winning tends to further boost testosterone due to the associated increase in social status while losing can decrease levels (1).

Relationship status: Relationship status in men is an important indicator of their serum testosterone levels. Males in new relationships and single men have higher levels of testosterone compared to men in long-term relationships, supporting the idea that testosterone levels may vary according to the motivation to seek new potential mates (2). No that doesn't mean you should break up with a long-term partner to boost your T levels. If you are in a long-term relationship, it should be accounted for and measures put in place to offset some of the reductions, including eating properly and exercising.

Environment: If you are familiar with our previous work, then you are aware of the dangers and prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Testosterone is a hormone like any other and disruption to the endocrine system will disrupt normal levels of sex hormones. Therefore, avoiding EDCs as much as possible may help regulate normal function and subsequently, enhance performance.

Final Thoughts

Performance-enhancing drugs may offer short-term gains in athletic performance, but the hidden dangers they pose are undeniable. The short-term and long-term side effects can be severe and, in some cases, irreversible. Choose a safer and more sustainable path to success by focusing on proper nutrition, training, and recovery. In the end, it's not just about achieving your goals but doing so in a way that ensures your long-term health. True excellence is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of a healthy body and mind.