jump to content of this page Bized logo linked to homepage
Subscribe to our newsletter

Advertise with Biz/ed
Bookmark and Share

Wanna Argument?

World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada): Wada Happening with Drugs in Sport?

Which drugs are we talking about?

Drug nameTypeEffectHealth ImpactAbility to detect
NandroloneAnabolic steroidMuscle and bone development. Red blood cell boost.Short term reversed gender characteristics. Long term liver and heart problems.Testable but controversy over presence in dietary supplements.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)Anabolic hormoneMuscle development. Speeds recovery.Acromegaly - hands and facial bones grow. Heart, liver and kidney growth. Cardiomyopathy - disease of heart muscle.IOC launched a programme called HGH 2000 in 1996 to find a test for Sydney Olympics, but failed.
Erythropoietin (EPO)HormoneBoost production of red blood cells so useful in endurance events.Damage to heart caused by excess red cells making blood too viscous. Heart failure.Naturally occurring hormone, so no valid test exists.
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG)Anabolic steroidMuscle and bone development. Red blood cell boost.As with nandrolone, but as a 'designer' drug, has not been tested, so users are 'guinea pigs'.New test devised summer 2003.

In addition there are other substances used to boost performance, including beta blockers which are used to reduce nervousness and help steady the hand; these have been used in sports such as archery, shooting and snooker.

Back to the Argument