Health effects of doping

That edge can come from smart choices like eating well, good hydration, getting quality sleep and following measured training techniques. It also takes dedication, discipline and a whole lot of really hard work. 

But some athletes choose to cross the ethical line by chasing shortcuts that can put their health, career and reputation at risk. 

Crossing the line

Whether it’s a suggestion from a coach, a friend, or a personal decision using banned substances or using methods, puts athletes at risk of a 4-year ban from all sport.

But the consequences go beyond sport. Athletes that cross the line risk serious harm to their health and long-term wellbeing.

Some athletes believe that since many substances on the WADA Prohibited List are legitimate medications, they must be safe to use. This is a dangerous misconception. 

Using medications incorrectly

These medications are for people with specific health issues – not for healthy athletes. Using them without medical need, in high doses, or in combination with other substances can cause serious damage and end your sporting career.

Some banned substances promoted online or through word of mouth aren't medications at all - they're not even approved for human use.

Health effects of doping app and other resources

Working together with our international partners, we have created resources to help athletes and support personnel understand the health risks of using performance enhancing drugs.

Developed in collaboration with Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand, we released a free 'Health Effects of Doping App' which uses Augmented Reality (AR) to create a unique learning experience to explore the health impacts of performance enhancing drugs.

Available on Google Play and the App Store, search for — ‘Health Effects of Doping’

In partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), we have produced videos and materials that answer common questions about the health and safety risks of substances and methods on the WADA Prohibited List.

Testosterone and Anabolic Agents

 

These substances are primarily used in medicine to treat conditions like delayed puberty, certain types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by muscle-wasting diseases.

However, when used by healthy athletes without medical supervision, they can cause physiological and psychological side effects. Some effects can impact anyone, while others are gender specific.

Below is a snapshot of the potential health risks that testosterone use can have in healthy athletes. This list doesn't cover everything but gives an overview of the effects testosterone can have on healthy athletes. 

Physiological effects

• Acne
• Male pattern baldness
• Liver damage*
• Stunted growth in adolescents due to premature closure of the growth centres of long bones*
• Increased aggression and sexual appetite, sometimes resulting in abnormal sexual and criminal behaviour, often referred to as ‘roid rage’
• Depression and, in some cases, suicide following withdrawal from anabolic steroid use.

Gender specific effects – males

• Breast tissue development*
• Shrinking of the testicles*
• Impotence
• Reduction in sperm production.

Gender specific effects – females

• Deepening of the voice*
• Stopped breast development
• Hair growth on the face, stomach and upper back*
• Enlarged clitoris*
• Abnormal menstrual cycles.

*Effects may be permanent and can vary from person to person.

SARMs

 

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are experimental substances designed to work like Testosterone. However, they are not approved for human use and their full side effects are unknown.

Because SARMs act similarly to steroids, users can expect similar health risks, including serious physical and psychological effects. Initial research also shows that using SARMs puts users at risk of organ failure.

Human Growth Hormones (HGH), Peptide Hormones, and Related Substances

These substances are used medically to treat cancer and medical conditions affecting growth or hormone regulation. 

Examples include:

• human growth hormone (HGH)
• insulin
• human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)
• adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). 

In sport, the presence of an abnormal concentration of a hormone, its metabolites, relevant ratios or markers in a sample is deemed to contain a prohibited substance - unless an athlete can demonstrate the concentration was due to a physiological or pathological condition.

In Australia, these substances can only be prescribed for legitimate medical purposes, and only a doctor can source them with permission from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is illegal for non-medical personnel to import these substances into Australia.

Physiological effects

Use of these substances without medical supervision can lead to serious health risks, including

• Heart attacks
• Thyroid problems
• Severe headaches
• Loss of vision
• Acromegaly (protruding or enlarged jaw, brow, skull, hands and feet)
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Diabetes and tumours
• Crippling arthritis.

Blood doping and Erythropoietin (EPO)

 

Blood doping is the practice of misusing certain techniques and substances to artificially increase the number of red blood cells in the body. There are three widely known substances or methods used for blood doping:

• Erythropoietin (EPO),
• synthetic oxygen carriers
• blood transfusions*.

The primary use of blood transfusions and synthetic oxygen carriers are for patients who have suffered massive blood loss, either during a major surgery or trauma. 

EPO is used to treat anaemia (low blood count) related to kidney disease. However, misuse of these substances and techniques could lead to a range of serious health effects.

Physiological effects

Misusing blood doping methods can lead to dangerous physiological effects, including:

• increased strain on the heart
• blood clotting
• stroke
• heart attack
• pulmonary embolism.

*Additionally, blood transfusions carry an increased risk of infectious diseases such as AIDS or hepatitis.

Stimulants

 

Stimulants are primarily used in medical settings to treat conditions such as:

• attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD)
• narcolepsy (a sleep disorder)
• obesity. 

Stimulants have also been found in over-the-counter supplements, like pre-workouts sold in supermarkets and supplement stores.

To reduce the risk of consuming harmful or banned substances, it's important to choose only batch-tested supplements. These are tested for safety and quality, and help reduce your risk of inadvertently consuming a dangerous stimulant.

Physiological effects

Misuse or overuse of stimulants can lead to a range or serious physiological effects including:

• insomnia
• anxiety
• weight Loss
• dependence and addiction
• dehydration
• tremors
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Opioids

Opioids are powerful medications that, when used in controlled doses and under medical supervision, help to relieve severe pain. 

However, misuse of opioids, including drugs such as morphine, codeine and oxycodone, can cause serious health risks. 

Overdose is a medical emergency and can lead to respiratory depression, which can be fatal.

Physiological effects

Improper use of opioids can cause a range of harmful effects including:

• gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting and constipation
• failure to recognise injury
• loss of balance, coordination and concentration
• suppressed respiratory system
• physical and psychological dependence, which can lead to addiction.

A well-being approach to athletic performance

Health professionals including sports physicians and sports dietitians advise that the best way for athletes to achieve peak performance is by prioritising nutrition, sleep, hydration and consistent hard work. 

Nutrition

A varied and nutritious diet is essential for supporting training and recovery. Athletes are encouraged to consume balances amounts of:

• protein
• carbohydrates
• fats. 

Specific foods offer additional benefits:

• bananas - a good source of energy that also supports digestive and kidney health
• chicken and other protein sources - good for building and maintaining muscle mass
• broccoli and other vitamin - rich vegetables - help the body recover faster from injuries and reduce muscle fatigue. 

Sleep

Sleep is vital for health and physical performance. Experts recommend even to 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for athletes. Inadequate sleep can result in:

• fatigue,
• reduced concentration,
• slower recovery times.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of an athlete’s diet. Proper hydration helps:

• sustain body volume
• regulate body temperature.
• maintain muscle function
• prevent a decrease in performance
• prevent fatigue and heat stress.

But what about dietary or nutritional supplements?

All natural! Pure! Fast results! Not quite. Beware.

Supplements have often been found to contain ingredients not on the label – meaning you never know what you are taking.

There could be a banned substance in your ‘all natural’ supplement. Beware of the risks.

• Read more on our supplements page.