Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors

Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors

Peptide hormones and growth factors are natural substances in the body. They help control many important functions, like growth, healing, blood production, and metabolism. In medicine, they are used to treat serious conditions such as cancer, anaemia, growth problems, and fertility issues.

However, when these substances are misused—especially by athletes—they can enhance performance unfairly or dangerously. That’s why they are banned in sports unless used with medical approval.

Common Examples:

hgh (Human Growth Hormone): Helps with growth and muscle repair.

EPO (Erythropoietin): Increases red blood cells, which improves stamina.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Stimulates natural testosterone production in men.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone): Stimulates the adrenal glands.

Insulin: Controls blood sugar levels.

Medical Uses:

hgh: For children with growth disorders or adults with hormone deficiencies.

EPO: Used to treat anaemia, especially in kidney disease or cancer.

HCG: Helps treat fertility issues and hormonal imbalances.

ACTH: Used in testing adrenal gland function or treating certain disorders.

Insulin: Vital for people with diabetes.

Dangers and Side Effects When Misused:

hgh (Human Growth Hormone):

Headaches, vision problems

Enlarged jaw, hands, feet (acromegaly)

High blood pressure and heart issues

Risk of diabetes and tumours

Joint pain and arthritis.

EPO:

High blood pressure

Blood thickening, which can cause strokes or heart attacks

Increased risk of blood cancers.

HCG:

Hormonal imbalance

Feminisation effects in males (e.g., breast growth)

Important Note:

Even if your body shows high hormone levels, you must prove it’s due to a natural medical condition—otherwise, it’s considered doping.

Also, individual growth factors, even if isolated from natural sources, are still banned if given as purified substances.

Beta-2 Agonists

Medical Uses: Asthma and respiratory treatment

Performance Risk: Enhances endurance at high levels.

Misuse Effects:

Palpitations

Headaches

Sweating

Nausea

Muscle cramps

Nervousness

Diuretics

Medical Uses:

Hypertension

Kidney disease

Congestive heart failure

Misuse Effects:

Dehydration

Muscle cramps

Dizziness or fainting

Low blood pressure

Poor coordination and balance

Risk of death from potassium loss

Stimulants

Medical Uses:

ADHD

Narcolepsy

Asthma

Obesity

Misuse Effects:

Insomnia

Anxiety

Weight loss

Addiction

Dehydration

Tremors

Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia risk

Cannabinoids (Marijuana)

Legal Note: Schedule I drug in the U.S. (no accepted medical use federally)

Physiological Effects:

Increased heart rate

Poor short-term memory

Slowed reflexes and coordination

Impaired concentration

Distorted time and space perception

Respiratory issues

Psychological Effects:

Mood swings

Impaired thinking and comprehension

Blood Doping

Techniques:

EPO

Synthetic oxygen carriers

Blood transfusions

Medical Uses:

Anaemia (EPO)

Trauma/surgical blood loss (transfusions, carriers)

Misuse Effects:

Heart strain

Blood clotting

Stroke

The primary medical use of these compounds varies, but includes the treatment of cancer or aiding those born prematurely. The presence of an abnormal concentration of a hormone, its metabolites, relevant ratios, or markers in your sample is deemed to contain a prohibited substance unless you can demonstrate the concentration was due to a physiological or pathological condition.