S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators
What are hormone and metabolic modulators?
Most substances in this class act to either decrease the amount of estrogen in the body or block the estrogen receptors.
Medical uses of hormone and metabolic modulators
Some forms of anti-estrogenic drugs have been used in the treatment of breast cancer, contraception, osteoporosis and anovulatory infertility (infertility through cessation of ovulation). Insulins are used to treat diabetes.
Effects on performance
The anti-estrogenic drugs Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are used by both male and female athletes. Males use Tamoxifen in conjunction with anabolic steroids in an attempt to prevent gynecomasia (the development of oversized mammary glands in males). It is also used to increase testosterone levels. Female body-builders and weightlifters have been known to use Tamoxifen as blocking the estrogen receptors leaves testosterone unopposed, leading to an increase in masculine features.
Insulin can also act as a powerful anabolic agent. It helps drive glucose and amino acids (the building blocks of protein) into muscle cells, thereby increasing glycogen synthesis and muscle mass.
Side-effects of hormone and metabolic modulators
The side-effects of the abuse of anti-estrogenic substances are:
• deep vein thrombosis in females; • bloating; • abdominal pain; • joint aches and stiffness; • headaches; • nausea.
The side-effects of insulins are:
• hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of glucose in the blood); • hypoglycemic coma (extreme manifestation of hypoglycemia; it is announced by loss of consciousness) • heart palpitations; • restlessness; • tremors; • perspiration.
S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances
S5. Diuretics and other masking agents
M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components
M2. Chemical and physical manipulation
Substances and methods prohibited at all times
