Performance Enhancing Drugs

The Word “Steroid” a Primer Adrenal glands just above the

kidneys synthesize: Glucocorticoids (cortisol)

Antiinflammatory (treat allergic reactions, skin, respiratory, opthalmic, RA, CA)

Maintain BP Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat metabolism Stress and CNS mood effects Cortisone, Prednisone, Hydrocortisone,

Prednisolone

Role of Glucocorticosteroid Inhibit inflammation

Cause leukocytes to be sluggish Complications with long term use Rebound deterioration Importance of Taper Sample Agents

Prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone

GlucocorticoidsGlucocorticoidsAdverseAdverseEffectsEffects

Glucocorticoids Adverse Effects CV

Na retention GI

PUD Metabolic

Redistribution of fat, hyperglycemia

Immune infections

Dematologic Impair wound

healing Musculoskeletal

Osteoporosis Bone fractures

Neuropsychiatric Psychosis/mood

Opthalmic Cataracts/

glaucoma

Mineralcorticoids (primarily aldosterone) Production of aldosterone stimulated by salt

depletion and causes sodium retention in the kidney

Increases urinary excretion of potassium Job is to regulate the balance of Na ++ and

K+ in the blood.

Androgens (primarily dehydroepiandrosterone) Enhance male characteristics and control

growth of hair follicles in the skin Anabolic-Androgenic steroids are synthetic

formulations produced from testosterone, the male hormone.

Estimated use by 80% of weightlifters & bodybuilders

Tissues Targeted by

Testosterone and

Anabolic Steroids

Major Effects of Anabolic Steroids Androgen Type

Effects Increased growth of :

prostate gland Body/facial hair Oil production

Deepening voice Increased sexual

interest and desire Enhancement of

abstract thinking Increased aggression

Anabolic Type Effects

Increased: Organ and

skeletal muscle mass

Calcium in bones Retention of

nitrogen Hemoglobin

concentration Protein synthesis

Long Term Adverse Effects Females

Oily skin acne Decrease

breast size, ovulation, lactation, menstruation

Hoarse/deep voice Clitoral

enlargement Unusual hair

growth +/- male patterned baldness

Males Increase penis size,

# of erections, & secondary male characteristics

Priapism (continuing erections)

Gynecomastia (increased breast size)

Testicular atrophy, impotence

BOTH Genders

Gastric ulcers Liver

Complications Hyperglycemia Reduction in HDL Increased platelet

aggregation with increased risk of CV disorders

Hypercalcemia Edema Urinary calculi Insomnia Iron deficiency

anemia Nausea, vomiting,

anorexia, stomach pains