Consequences to Health

The misuse of any substance can have serious side effects and pose a danger to the health or safety of individuals either immediately or in the future.

Health Case Studies

European shot put champion from the 1970s Heidi Krieger had been injected with so much testosterone during her Olympic years that in 1997 she was forced to undergo a gender change and she became Andreas Krieger.

British Road Cyclist Tommy Simpson tragically died whilst cycling in 1967.  This televised death was quickly and accurately associated with the misuse of drugs and caused immediate action to be taken.

Another cyclist and regular competitor in the tour de france, Marco Pantani, also died following the heavy misuse of drugs. Pantani was found dead in his hotel room at the age of 34.  Diagnosis was a heart attack.

For this reason alone, you should make sure you are fully aware of the consequences of using any prohibited substances or methods so that you can make the right choices about your performance, your health and your conscience!

Here are some serious side effects of some of the prohibited substances and methods:

Anabolic Agents

In males                                                                

  • acne                                                                      
  • increased aggression and libido                                    
  • long term use can result in sterility and impotence  
  • reduced sperm production                                          
  • shrinking and hardening of the testicles                         
  • kidney damage
  • development of breasts
  • premature baldness
  • prostate enlargement

In females

  • acne
  • development of male features including widening of the jaw
  • irreversible deepening of the voice
  • irregular periods
  • excessive hair growth on the face and body
  • increased aggression and libido
  • enlargement of the clitoris

In adolescents

  • severe acne on the face and body
  • a male like physique in girls
  • stunted growth

Stimulants

  • overheating – this can cause the organs of the body to stop working
  • difficulty sleeping
  • heart problems
  • sweating, shaking and anxiety
  • addiction
  • depression, mood swings and aggression

EPO

  • Flu like symptoms
  • Hypertension
  • Encephalopathy
  • Iron Deficiency
  • Thrombosis
  • Heart Attacks
  • Strokes

Human Growth Hormone

  • Acromegaly – deformation of the hands and feet
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease