performance enhancing drugs and their side effects

One anabolic steroid receiving a great deal of attention is tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). Until recently, THG was being marketed as a dietary supplement for enhancing athletic performance.

However, researchers have found that THG is actually a chemically altered version of an anabolic steroid that is banned by most sporting organizations. THG is referred to as a "designer" steroid because it's undetectable by traditional steroid testing techniques. A new laboratory test, however, now makes its detection possible. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that athletes taking THG may be putting their health at risk — THG is an unapproved new drug and little is known about its safety.

Other common anabolic steroids include dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (Turinabol), oxandrolone (Oxandrin), oxymetholone (Anadrol) metandienone (Dianabol), methyltestosterone (Android), nandrolone (Durabolin),  and stanozolol (Winstrol).

Androstenedione

Androstenedione (andro) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, testes and ovaries. It's a precursor hormone that is normally converted to testosterone and estradiol in both men and women.

Manufacturers of synthetic androstenedione, through vigorous marketing efforts, have claimed that their products increase your body's production of testosterone. According to proponents of andro supplements, an elevated level of testosterone allows athletes to train harder and recover much more quickly.