Drugs Professional Wrestlers Are Likely to Abuse for Doping
Professional wrestlers are most likely to abuse anabolic androgenic steroids, particularly testosterone and nandrolone, for performance enhancement. 1, 2
Common Performance-Enhancing Substances in Wrestling
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (Most Common)
- Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone and the foundation of most doping regimens 1, 2
- Nandrolone: A popular synthetic anabolic steroid with strong muscle-building properties 1
- These substances are typically used in doses 10-40 times higher than therapeutic levels 3
Other Performance-Enhancing Substances
- Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs): Newer compounds that target androgen receptors with fewer side effects than traditional steroids 1
- Growth Hormone: Used to increase muscle mass 1
- Stimulants: Including amphetamines that can enhance endurance and alertness 1
Patterns of Abuse in Wrestling
Wrestling demands both strength and aesthetic appearance, making anabolic steroids particularly appealing. Athletes often use:
- Multiple steroids simultaneously ("stacking")
- Cycling between high and low doses
- Combining injectable and oral preparations 3
The global lifetime prevalence of anabolic steroid abuse is 6.4% for males and 1.6% for females 4, with higher rates in strength-based sports like wrestling.
Health Consequences of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Cardiovascular Effects
- Cardiac arrest
- Myocardial infarction
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure
- Cerebrovascular accidents 2
Reproductive System Effects
Psychiatric Effects
- Major depression
- Mania
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Hostility and aggression 2
Other Effects
- Liver dysfunction and potential hepatotoxicity
- Premature closure of growth plates in adolescents
- Acne and male pattern baldness 2, 4
Detection and Prevention
Athletic governing bodies have established comprehensive anti-doping programs that include:
- Regular testing for banned substances
- Biological passport programs to track physiological parameters
- Clear therapeutic use exemption processes for legitimate medical needs 5, 1
Important Considerations for Healthcare Providers
Be vigilant for signs of anabolic steroid abuse:
- Rapid muscle development
- Unexplained hypertension
- Mood changes
- Testicular atrophy
- Acne
- Male pattern baldness 1
Recognize that many athletes obtain substances from dubious sources on the internet, consuming extremely high doses in irrational combinations 4
Understand that continued abuse of testosterone and other anabolic steroids can lead to addiction characterized by:
- Taking escalating doses
- Continued use despite medical and social problems
- Prioritizing drug use over other obligations
- Difficulty discontinuing use 2
Be aware that withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation may include:
- Depressed mood
- Fatigue
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Decreased libido 2
While adrenaline, insulin, and glucagon may be abused in some sports contexts, they are not the primary substances of concern in professional wrestling, where muscle mass and appearance are prioritized through anabolic steroid use.