Professional Wrestlers and Performance-Enhancing Substances
Testosterone is the most likely substance to be abused by professional wrestlers when checked for doping, followed by nandrolone, due to their documented ability to increase muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. 1
Common Performance-Enhancing Substances in Wrestling
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Testosterone - Most commonly abused performance-enhancing drug in strength-based sports like wrestling 1
- Increases lean muscle mass, strength, and power
- Enhances recovery between training sessions
- Available in various forms (injectable, topical, oral)
Nandrolone - Synthetic anabolic steroid frequently abused 2
- Similar effects to testosterone but with some distinct properties
- Often used because it may have a different detection profile
Why These Substances Are Preferred by Wrestlers
Direct Performance Benefits:
- Increased muscle mass and strength critical for wrestling performance
- Enhanced recovery between training sessions and competitions
- Improved power output during explosive movements
Weight Category Advantages:
- Help maintain strength while cutting weight for competition
- Allow athletes to compete in lower weight classes while preserving muscle mass
Detection and Prevalence
The use of anabolic steroids is widespread among elite weight-trained athletes, with current regimens often including combinations of injectable and oral preparations at doses 10-40 times greater than therapeutic doses 3. Studies have shown that anabolic steroid abuse has expanded beyond elite athletes to the general population, creating a public health concern 4.
In wrestling specifically, there is evidence of systematic doping, particularly in weight category sports. For example, during the 2010 Singapore Summer Youth Olympic Games, there were anti-doping violations for diuretics used to make weight in wrestling 2.
Health Risks and Complications
Anabolic steroid abuse can lead to serious health consequences:
Cardiovascular system:
- Hypertension
- Increased risk of myocardial infarction
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure 5
Psychiatric effects:
- Major depression
- Mania
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Hostility and aggression 5
Reproductive system:
- Testicular atrophy
- Subfertility
- Infertility 5
Other effects:
- Liver dysfunction
- Premature closure of growth plates in adolescents
- Withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation 6
Why Not Other Options?
Adrenaline (epinephrine): While it can temporarily enhance performance through increased heart rate and blood pressure, its effects are short-lived and not ideal for the sustained strength and power needed in wrestling.
Insulin/Glucagon: Though insulin is sometimes abused by bodybuilders to enhance nutrient uptake into muscles, it doesn't provide the direct strength and muscle mass benefits that wrestlers typically seek. Additionally, insulin abuse carries significant risks of hypoglycemia that could be dangerous during competition.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be vigilant for signs of anabolic steroid abuse in athletes presenting with:
- Rapid muscle development
- Unexplained hypertension
- Mood changes
- Testicular atrophy
- Acne
- Male pattern baldness
Failure to recognize these signs can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment 1. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology emphasize the importance of education about the serious health risks associated with these substances 2.
Prevention and Education
Athletic governing bodies play a crucial role in curbing abuse through:
- Educational campaigns about health risks
- Transparent drug testing protocols
- Fair sanctions for violators
- Resources for athletes with medical complications 2
Athletes should be informed that testosterone "has not been shown to be safe and effective for the enhancement of athletic performance" and that its use may jeopardize athletic eligibility 1.