Know the Downside to Doping in Sports
If you're involved in a sport of any kind, you understand the need to stay physically and mentally fit. However, some athletes spare no efforts to gain an edge over competition, and they may end up using performance-enhancement drugs (doping). Use of certain performance-enhancement drugs may not only be illegal, but it can also pose a threat to the health of the user.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are meant to improve the muscle mass and strength of an athlete. The substance is able to boost testosterone in the body, and when used in approved doses, it poses no health risk to the user. However, use of anabolic steroids to boost athletic performance is usually illegal and can affect the health of a user in many ways.
In the so-called designer drugs, or synthetic anabolic steroids, the health risks are even dire. Such drugs are artificially made and they may not be detected during doping tests. The problem is that the user may not always understand the risks involved, because no credible authority can investigate the risks involved in using a drug that's illegal to make and use.
Men who use unapproved substances to enhance their athletic performance are at a risk of developing several conditions, some of which are life-threatening. These include enlarged breasts, infertility, head hair loss, and contracted testicles. On the other hand, women may suffer irregular periods, a deeper voice, and increased body hair. Read more about this here!
There are extreme risks for men and women who use designer steroids, including increased levels of bad cholesterol and diminished levels of good cholesterol, --conditions that may cause blood complications such as constricted blood vessels, heart disease, and stroke. The substances may also cause rage, mental instability, liver diseases and tumors, and drug dependence.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione is not an over-the-counter drug, and as such, it should not be used without a doctor's prescription (visit site). In the United States, it is illegal to use the drug to boost performance in sports. The risks of abusing the controlled substance in men include, breast enlargement, contraction of the testicles, and diminished sperm production. Women who use the substance may deepen their voice among other undesirable male characteristics.
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone is often marketed as a substance that can improve muscle mass and athletic performance. The substance is not an over-the-counter drug, and its abuse is associated with adverse effects such as pain in joints, poor vision, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness. An article from http://www.encyclopedia.com/c/2985-sports-and-everyday-life.html can give you a lot of information too.