Pharmacological aids

• Pharmacological aids


  A group of ergogenic aids, taken to increase the levels of hormones or neural transmitters naturally produced by the body (most of them are illegal)
• Examples of Pharmacological aids

  Anabolic steroids

  Erythropoietin

  Human growth hormone (HGH)
• Anabolic steroids


  -A group of synthetic hormones which resemble the male hormone testosterone, available in tablet, pill, injection and cream form

  - illegal

  Athlete type : anaerobic, sprinters, weightlifters
• Performance benefits of anabolic steroids

  Increased muscle mass and strength

  Increased speed of recovery

  Increased intensity and duration of training
• risks of taking anabolic steroids

  Irritability, aggression and mood swings

  Liverpool damage and potential heart failure

  Acne and hormonal disturbances
• Erythropoietin


  A synthetic copy 'RhEPO' is injected and can be supplemented to increase red blood cell production

  Illegal

  Athlete type : aerobic, marathon runner
• Performance benefits of erythropoietin

  Increased red blood cell and haemoglobin count

  Increased oxygen transport and aerobic capacity

  Increased intensity and duration of performance
• Risks of erythropoietin usage

  Increase in blood viscosity (thickness)

  Decreases cardiac output

  Increased risk of blood clots / heart failure
• Human growth hormone (HGH)


  A synthetic product that increases protein synthesis for muscle growth, recovery and repair

  Illegal

  Type of athlete : anaerobic, sprinters, throwers and weightlifters
• Performance benefits of HGH usage

  Increased muscle mass and strength

  Increased fat metabolism

  Increase blood glucose levels

  Increased speed of recovery

  Increased intensity and duration of training
• Risks of HGH use

  Abnormal bone and muscle development

  Enlargement of the vital organs (roid belly)

  Increased risk of cancer and diabetes