what are AnAbolic Agents?

anti-Doping CommissionCottonera Sports Complex

Cospicua BML 9020t: 2203 6200 | F: 2203 6200

e: antidoping@sportmalta.org.mtwww.sportmalta.org.mt/antidoping

UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport

With the support of the

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

OTHER ANABOLIC AGENTS The side effects of other Anabolic Agents include: • Increased heart rate• Arrhythmias• Sudden cardiac death• Muscle tremor• Cramps• Headache• Nervousness• Insomnia

WHEN ARE ANABOLIC AGENTS PROHIBITED? anabolic agents are prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition under Category S1 of the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

In collaboration with the UNESCO National Commission, Malta.

www.sportmalta.org.mt/antidoping

WHAT ARE ANABOLIC AGENTS?Anabolic Agents are chemical compounds capable of enhancing the rate of tissue growth (anabolic processes). These can be divided into two classes: Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (substances that have anabolic - resulting in an accelerated growth of muscle and bone - and androgenic – enhancing male characteristics) and other Anabolic Agents.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) can be derived from both endogenous (naturally produced) or exogenous (synthetically manufactured) sources. Most AAS are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. Other anabolic agents are substances which are pharmacologically not related to the androgenic anabolic steroids, but which might have a similar anabolic effect.

Anabolic Agents affect protein metabolism by stimulating protein synthesis (anabolic effect) and inhibiting protein breakdown (anti-catabolic effect).

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are used in various sports to increase muscle mass, enhance athletic performance and improve physical appearance. The percentage of body fat is also reduced with the use of anabolic agents. The anabolic effects can result in an accelerated growth of muscle and bone and increase aggression and competitiveness.

Even though the use of these substances is very dangerous and has caused the death or severe health problems for many athletes, a lot of athletes misuse them in an attempt to become stronger and/or faster.

CHEATING IN SPORT USING ANABOLIC AGENTS

SIDE EFFECTSANDROGENIC ANABOLIC STEROIDSThe main side effects of androgenic anabolic steroids are: • Cardiovascular (myocardial infarctions,

Arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death,thrombosis, increase in the atherogenic LDL-cholesterol, hypertension)

• Hepatic (liver cyst formation, liver tumours)• Skeletal (tendon rupture, destruction of skeletal

muscle, premature closure of epiphyses i.e.bone growth and bone growth retardation inadolescent users)

• Psychic (fluctuation of moods, irritability,uncontrolled aggression, other affective orpsychotic symptoms and syndromes)

• Endocrine (impairment of thyroid functioninsulin resistance and diminished glucosetolerance)

• Reproductive (changes in both male and femalesex hormone concentrations)

• Steroid acne• Renal complications• Tumour occurrence (growth of liver, breast and

prostate cancers)• Sleep apnea syndrome• Anxiety

• Male pattern hair growth and boldness• Decrease in size of breasts• Inhibition of ovulation• Menstrual irregularities• Infertility• Ovarian cyst formation• Enlargement of the clitoris• Decreased breast size• Deterioration of the uterus• Changes in libido• Deepening of the voice

Anabolic androgenic steroids exhibit also gender-specific side effects.

In males, the side effects include: • Breast development• Infertility• Erectile difficulties• Changes in the libido• Testicular atrophy• Diminished male hormone production• Impaired spermatogenesis• Hair loss• Prostate cancer

In women, the side effects, most of which are irrevesible include: