Information for Patients

Ergogenic drugs enhance the ability of athletes to perform. These drugs include illicit substances as well as compounds that are marketed as nutritional supplements. Over the past century, many such ergogenic drugs, including anabolic steroids related to the hormone testosterone, steroid precursors such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), growth hormone, creatine, and ephedrine, have been used widely by athletes at all levels of performance. Research suggests that although anabolic steroids, creatine, and growth hormone offer potential gains in body mass and strength, they also increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, liver disease, and other disorders. This slide lecture summarizes the history of ergogenic drugs and details their use, effects, and adverse effects.