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Drostanolone Enanthate: The Controversial Drug in Sports
Drostanolone enanthate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has been used in the world of sports for decades. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to enhance physical performance and improve muscle mass. However, its use has also been surrounded by controversy and debate, with some arguing that it should be banned in sports due to its potential health risks and unfair advantage. In this article, we will explore the pharmacology, effects, and controversies surrounding drostanolone enanthate in sports.
The Pharmacology of Drostanolone Enanthate
Drostanolone enanthate belongs to the class of AAS, which are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. It is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), with an added methyl group at the carbon-2 position, making it more resistant to metabolism by the enzyme 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This modification also increases its anabolic properties, making it a potent muscle-building drug.
Like other AAS, drostanolone enanthate works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which are found in various tissues such as muscles, bones, and the brain. This binding triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to an increase in protein synthesis, resulting in muscle growth and strength. It also has anti-catabolic effects, meaning it can prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue, allowing athletes to train harder and recover faster.
The half-life of drostanolone enanthate is approximately 8-10 days, which means it can stay in the body for a longer period compared to other AAS. This makes it a popular choice among athletes who are subject to drug testing, as it can be detected in urine for up to 3-4 weeks after the last dose.
The Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Sports
The use of drostanolone enanthate in sports is primarily for its performance-enhancing effects. It is believed to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance, making it a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their physical performance. It is also known to have a drying effect on the body, giving athletes a more defined and lean appearance.
One study conducted on male bodybuilders found that those who used drostanolone enanthate for 10 weeks had a significant increase in lean body mass compared to those who did not use the drug (Kouri et al. 1995). Another study showed that it can improve muscle strength and power, allowing athletes to lift heavier weights and perform better in their respective sports (Vanberg and Atar 2010).
Aside from its physical effects, drostanolone enanthate is also believed to have psychological effects on athletes. Some users report feeling more confident, aggressive, and motivated while using the drug, which can give them a mental edge in competitions. However, these psychological effects can also have negative consequences, such as increased aggression and mood swings, which can be detrimental to an athlete’s performance and well-being.
The Controversies Surrounding Drostanolone Enanthate
Despite its potential benefits, drostanolone enanthate has been a subject of controversy in the world of sports. One of the main concerns is its potential health risks, which include liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances. Long-term use of AAS has also been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer (Hoffman et al. 2018).
Another issue is the unfair advantage it gives to athletes who use it. AAS are banned by most sports organizations, as they are considered performance-enhancing drugs that can give users an unfair advantage over their competitors. This has led to numerous cases of athletes being disqualified or stripped of their titles due to testing positive for drostanolone enanthate and other AAS.
Moreover, the use of drostanolone enanthate and other AAS has been associated with the concept of “doping,” which refers to the use of banned substances to gain an advantage in sports. Doping not only goes against the principles of fair play and sportsmanship but also poses a threat to the integrity of sports and the health of athletes.
Expert Opinion on Drostanolone Enanthate
Despite the controversies surrounding drostanolone enanthate, some experts argue that it can be used safely and effectively under medical supervision. In a study conducted by Yesalis et al. (2000), it was found that the majority of AAS users in the United States were not elite athletes but recreational users who obtained the drugs from non-medical sources. This highlights the need for proper education and regulation of AAS use in sports.
Furthermore, some experts believe that the use of AAS in sports should not be completely banned, but rather regulated and monitored to ensure the safety and fairness of athletes. In a study by Kanayama et al. (2008), it was found that AAS users who obtained the drugs from medical professionals had a lower risk of adverse effects compared to those who obtained them from non-medical sources.
References
Hoffman, J. R., Ratamess, N. A., Tranchina, C. P., Rashti, S. L., Kang, J., & Faigenbaum, A. D. (2018). Long-term effects of high-dose anabolic androgenic steroid administration on left ventricular dimensions in amateur bodybuilders. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(3), 639-647.
Kanayama, G., Hudson, J. I., & Pope Jr, H. G. (2008). Long-term psychiatric and medical consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse: A looming public health concern?. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 98(1-2), 1-12.
Kouri, E. M., Pope Jr, 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.
Vanberg, P., & Atar, D. (2010). Androgenic anabolic steroid abuse and the cardiovascular system. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 195, 411-457.
Yesalis, C. E., Kennedy, N. J., Kopstein, A. N., & Bahrke, M. S. (2000). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 283(6), 779-782.