Table of Contents:
[
General /
Adrenergic /
Amphetamine
]
[
Ergogenic /
Hormones /
Steroids
]
[
Over the Counter /
Recreational
/ Related ]
The NCAA bans these hormones and their analogues.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
What is the history of growth hormone use?
Before 1985 growth hormones were obtained from cadaver pituitary
extracts. The development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a degenerative
brain disorder, in boys who were treated with growth hormone
(taken from cadavers) led to the discontinuation of all products
derived from the human pituitary gland.
What are the sources of HGH?
HGH is a naturally occurring polypeptide hormone produced by
the anterior pituitary gland and secreted into the general circulation.
HGH is released from the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary,
which is under the control of the hypothalamic hormones.
What are the actions/effects of HGH?
HGH is one of the major hormones influencing growth and development
in humans. A major function of HGH is the maintenance of normal
linear growth from birth to adulthood. The metabolic action
of HGH is also important in the regulation of energy production
and storage.
What is the pharmacology of HGH?
The half-life of growth hormone varies from 17 to 45 minutes
and is unchanged by exercise. HGH is metabolized in the liver
and the kidney excretes a small fraction.
Why would some student athletes want to use HGH?
Some individuals use HGH because they perceive that it is as
effective as anabolic steroids with fewer side effects, and
is not detectable in a drug test. Therefore, they may also choose
to use HGH as a steroid substitute to prevent loss of muscle
after discontinuing the use of steroids. (Mottram, 1996; Wadler
and Haineline, 1989).
What are the effects of HGH on performance?
According to some controlled scientific studies HGH does not
increase muscle strength. Most reports on HGH efficacies are
either anecdotal or based on animal studies (Mottram, 1996;
Wadler and Haineline, 1989).
What are the side effects of HGH use?
The side effects of using HGH may lead to life threatening health
conditions, especially since some estimates report that athletes
who use HGH to enhance performance are taking 10 times the therapeutic
dosage (Smith and Perry, 1992).
Some reported side effects of HGH are:
- developing irreversible acromegaly (abnormal growth of
bones of the hands and feet and face)
- high blood pressure
- heart damage
- premature aging and death
- soft tissue swelling
- thickening of the skin, abnormal hair growth
- colonic polyps
- liver damage and glucose intolerance
- muscle weakness
- enlargement of the internal organs
- arthritis
- impotence
Why would a student athlete be interested in using ACTH?
A student athlete might perceive that this substance would enhance
muscular development.
What are the actions/effects of ACTH?
ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary and stimulates the
adrenal cortex to produce and secrete adrenocortical hormones.
Increased levels of corticosteroid levels in the plasma suppress
ACTH secretion. Heavy use of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid-like
drugs will decrease ACTH stores and negatively affect the pituitary
gland. In the absence of ACTH stimulation the adrenal cortex
may shrink.
What are the therapeutic uses of ACTH?
ACTH has limited therapeutic value in conditions responsive
to corticosteroid therapy. ACTH is used in non-suppurative thyroiditis
and hypercalcemia associated with cancer.
What are some of the adverse reactions associated with
the use of ACTH?
ACTH may mask signs of infection. Diabetics may have increased
requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemics. ACTH can also
cause fluid and electrolyte disturbances, muscle weakness and
loss of muscle mass, ulcerative esophagitis and peptic ulcer,
impaired wound healing, headache and vertigo, increased intracranial
pressure, menstrual irregularities, suppression of growth in
children, ophthalmic, metabolic and allergic reactions.
The NCAA bans the use of these drugs.
