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Finasteride: A Drug to Avoid for Professional Athletes
In the world of professional sports, athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. This often leads them to turn to performance-enhancing drugs, despite the potential risks and consequences. One such drug that has gained popularity among athletes is finasteride, a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate. However, the use of finasteride in professional sports is highly controversial and has been banned by several sports organizations. In this article, we will explore the reasons why finasteride should be avoided by professional athletes.
The Mechanism of Action of Finasteride
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a more potent form of testosterone and is responsible for male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride can effectively treat these conditions. However, this also means that finasteride can alter the levels of testosterone in the body, which can have significant effects on athletic performance.
The Impact on Athletic Performance
Testosterone is a key hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in muscle growth, strength, and endurance. It is no surprise that athletes are always looking for ways to increase their testosterone levels to improve their performance. However, the use of finasteride can have the opposite effect. Studies have shown that finasteride can decrease testosterone levels by up to 70%, which can have a significant impact on athletic performance (Traish et al. 2011). This decrease in testosterone can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and endurance, making it a poor choice for professional athletes.
Furthermore, finasteride can also cause a decrease in the levels of DHT, which is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and increased muscle mass. This can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and strength, which can be detrimental to an athlete’s performance. In addition, finasteride can also cause side effects such as fatigue, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction, which can further impact an athlete’s performance (Traish et al. 2011).
The Risk of Doping Violations
In addition to its negative impact on athletic performance, the use of finasteride can also lead to doping violations for professional athletes. Finasteride is classified as a masking agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and is banned by several sports organizations, including the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB). This is because finasteride can be used to mask the use of other performance-enhancing drugs, making it a popular choice among athletes looking to cheat the system (Kicman 2008).
Real-World Examples
The use of finasteride in professional sports has been a topic of controversy for many years. In 2016, the NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver, Martavis Bryant, for using finasteride, which he claimed was to treat his hair loss (Bouchette 2016). In 2019, MLB player, Robinson Cano, was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for finasteride, which he claimed was prescribed to him by a doctor in the Dominican Republic (Passan 2018). These are just a few examples of how the use of finasteride can lead to doping violations and tarnish an athlete’s reputation.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Gary Wadler, a leading expert in sports pharmacology, “Finasteride is a drug that should be avoided by professional athletes due to its potential to alter testosterone levels and cause doping violations” (Wadler 2011). He also emphasizes the importance of athletes being aware of the substances they are putting into their bodies and the potential consequences of using banned substances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finasteride is a drug that should be avoided by professional athletes due to its negative impact on athletic performance, potential for doping violations, and potential side effects. Athletes should be aware of the substances they are using and the potential consequences of using banned substances. It is important for athletes to prioritize their health and integrity over gaining a competitive edge through the use of performance-enhancing drugs. As Dr. Wadler states, “The true spirit of sport is about fair play and competition, not cheating and taking shortcuts” (Wadler 2011).
References
Bouchette, E. (2016). Steelers’ Martavis Bryant suspended at least one year. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/03/14/Steelers-Martavis-Bryant-suspended-at-least-one-year/stories/201603140175
Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.165
Passan, J. (2018). Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating MLB drug policy. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23506347/robinson-cano-seattle-mariners-suspended-80-games-violating-mlb-drug-policy
Traish, A. M., Hassani, J., Guay, A. T., Zitzmann, M., & Hansen, M. L. (2011). Adverse side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors therapy: Persistent diminished libido and erectile dysfunction and depression in a subset of patients. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8(3), 872-884. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02157.x
Wadler, G. (2011). The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. Journal of Athletic Training, 46(1), 97-106. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-46.1.97
