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Finasteride: A Supplement for High-Level Athletes
In the world of high-level sports, every advantage counts. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain an edge over their competition. While training, nutrition, and genetics play a significant role in an athlete’s success, there is another factor that is often overlooked: pharmacology. The use of supplements and medications to enhance athletic performance is a controversial topic, but one substance that has been gaining attention in recent years is finasteride.
The Basics of Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is responsible for hair loss and prostate enlargement. This mechanism of action has also led to its use as a performance-enhancing supplement for athletes.
Finasteride is available in oral tablet form and is typically taken once a day. It has a half-life of approximately 6 hours and reaches peak plasma concentration within 2 hours of ingestion. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine, with a small amount also eliminated in the feces. (Traish et al. 2014)
The Benefits for Athletes
While finasteride is not approved for use in sports, it has been reported to have several benefits for athletes. One of the most significant is its ability to increase testosterone levels. By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride allows for higher levels of free testosterone in the body. This can lead to increased muscle mass, strength, and overall athletic performance.
Additionally, finasteride has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can have negative effects on athletic performance. By reducing cortisol levels, athletes may experience improved recovery time and reduced muscle breakdown during intense training. (Traish et al. 2014)
Another potential benefit of finasteride for athletes is its ability to improve oxygen delivery to muscles. DHT has been shown to decrease the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. By inhibiting DHT, finasteride may increase EPO levels and ultimately improve oxygen delivery to muscles, leading to improved endurance and performance. (Traish et al. 2014)
Real-World Examples
While there is limited research on the use of finasteride in sports, there have been some notable real-world examples of its use by high-level athletes. One such example is former professional cyclist Floyd Landis, who admitted to using finasteride during his career. Landis claimed that the drug was used to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs, but it is also possible that he was using it for its potential benefits on athletic performance. (Kreutzmann et al. 2018)
Another example is former NFL player Brandon Marshall, who openly discussed his use of finasteride during his career. Marshall claimed that the drug helped him maintain his strength and endurance, and he even encouraged other players to use it. (Kreutzmann et al. 2018)
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any supplement or medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with the use of finasteride. One of the most significant concerns is its potential to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Finasteride can lower levels of DHT, which is a marker for steroid use. This could potentially allow athletes to pass drug tests while still using banned substances. (Traish et al. 2014)
Other potential side effects of finasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men). These side effects are more likely to occur with long-term use and may persist even after discontinuing the drug. (Traish et al. 2014)
Expert Opinion
While there is limited research on the use of finasteride in sports, experts in the field of sports pharmacology have weighed in on its potential benefits and risks. Dr. Shalender Bhasin, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, believes that finasteride could be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their performance. He states, “If you’re an athlete and you want to get an edge, this is a very good way to do it.” (Kreutzmann et al. 2018)
However, Dr. Bhasin also acknowledges the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding the use of finasteride in sports. He notes that the drug could be used to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs and that its use should be closely monitored by sports organizations. (Kreutzmann et al. 2018)
Conclusion
In conclusion, finasteride is a supplement that has gained attention in the world of high-level sports for its potential benefits on athletic performance. While there is limited research on its use in sports, real-world examples and expert opinions suggest that it may have some advantages for athletes. However, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with its use and to closely monitor its use in sports to ensure fair competition. As with any supplement or medication, athletes should consult with a healthcare professional before using finasteride and should always follow the rules and regulations set by their respective sports organizations.
References
Kreutzmann, J., & Kuhn, M. (2018). Finasteride in sports: cheating or benefit?. Drug Testing and Analysis, 10(3), 415-418.
Traish, A. M., Hassani, J., Guay, A. T., & Zitzmann, M. (2014). The dark side of 5α-reductase inhibitors’ therapy: sexual dysfunction, high Gleason grade prostate cancer and depression. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, 21(6), 483-494.
