Use of performance and image enhancing drugs among men: a review
Link - Introduction
(2005)
Although physical training remains the primary way of changing and developing appearance, there is a range of substances being used by some to enhance the effects of training. Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) refer to substances that are generally used to enhance muscle growth ('anabolic' effects) or to reduce body fat ('catabolic effects'). Benefits expected from using these types of substances range from increasing size and definition of muscle cells, reducing water retention and body fat, to increasing physical strength and endurance. The major substances of concern are human and veterinary anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), growth hormone, other reproductive hormones, diuretics, stimulants, beta-2 agonists (ie.: clenbuterol), creatine monohydrate, and hormones such as insulin and thyroxine. The most commonly used PIEDs are AAS.