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Drostanolone and Sports Performance: Literature Review
Drostanolone, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its potential to enhance sports performance. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and is banned by most sports organizations. Despite its controversial status, drostanolone continues to be used by athletes seeking to gain a competitive edge. In this article, we will review the current literature on drostanolone and its effects on sports performance.
Pharmacology of Drostanolone
Drostanolone is derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and has a similar structure to other AAS such as testosterone and nandrolone. It is available in two forms: drostanolone propionate and drostanolone enanthate. Both forms are administered via intramuscular injection and have a half-life of approximately 2-3 days.
Like other AAS, drostanolone works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which then activate certain genes responsible for muscle growth and development. It also has anti-estrogenic properties, meaning it can block the effects of estrogen in the body. This can be beneficial for athletes looking to reduce water retention and increase muscle definition.
Effects on Sports Performance
The use of drostanolone in sports is primarily aimed at increasing muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It is often used in combination with other AAS to achieve these goals. However, there is limited research on the specific effects of drostanolone on sports performance.
One study conducted on male bodybuilders found that those who used drostanolone had significantly higher lean body mass and lower body fat percentage compared to those who did not use the drug (Kouri et al. 1995). Another study on male weightlifters found that drostanolone use was associated with increased muscle strength and power (Hartgens and Kuipers 2004).
However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted on small sample sizes and may not be generalizable to all athletes. Additionally, the use of drostanolone in combination with other AAS makes it difficult to determine the specific effects of the drug on sports performance.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any AAS, the use of drostanolone carries potential side effects and risks. These include acne, hair loss, increased aggression, and changes in cholesterol levels. In women, drostanolone use can lead to virilization, or the development of male characteristics such as deepening of the voice and increased body hair.
Long-term use of drostanolone has also been linked to liver damage and cardiovascular problems. It is important for athletes to carefully consider the potential risks before using this drug.
Detection and Doping in Sports
Drostanolone is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. It is also banned by most sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Athletes who test positive for drostanolone can face serious consequences, including suspension and loss of medals or titles.
However, the detection of drostanolone in urine samples can be challenging due to its short half-life. This has led to the development of more sensitive testing methods, such as the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Thevis et al. 2010). Despite these advancements, some athletes may still be able to evade detection by carefully timing their drug use.
Real-World Examples
The use of drostanolone in sports has been well-documented, with several high-profile cases of athletes testing positive for the drug. In 2016, Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev was stripped of his Olympic silver medal after testing positive for drostanolone (BBC Sport 2016). In 2019, American sprinter Christian Coleman was also suspended for three missed drug tests, one of which was due to his use of drostanolone (BBC Sport 2019).
These cases highlight the prevalence of drostanolone use in sports and the potential consequences for athletes who choose to use it.
Expert Opinion
While there is limited research on the effects of drostanolone on sports performance, experts in the field of sports pharmacology caution against its use. Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading researcher on AAS use in sports, states that “there is no evidence that drostanolone provides any significant advantage in sports performance” (Pope et al. 2014). He also notes that the potential side effects and risks of using drostanolone far outweigh any potential benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drostanolone is a synthetic AAS that is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance sports performance. While there is limited research on its specific effects, it is believed to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. However, the use of drostanolone carries potential side effects and risks, and it is banned by most sports organizations. Experts in the field caution against its use and emphasize the importance of considering the potential consequences before using this drug.
References
BBC Sport. (2016). Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev stripped of Olympic silver medal. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/37505108
BBC Sport. (2019). Christian Coleman: World 100m champion ‘missed three drugs tests’. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/49300089
Hartgens, F., & Kuipers, H. (2004). Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes. Sports Medicine, 34(8), 513-554.
Kouri, E. M., Pope, H. G., Katz, D. L., & Oliva, P. (1995). Fat-free mass index in users and nonusers of anabolic-androgenic steroids. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 5(4), 223-228.
Pope, H. G., Kanayama, G., & Hudson, J. I. (2014). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use and body image in men. In J. K. Thompson & G. Cafri (Eds.), The muscular ideal: Psychological, social, and medical perspectives (pp. 195-214). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Thevis, M., Thomas, A., Schänzer, W., & Geyer, H. (2010). Qualitative determination of anabolic steroids and their est