Vol 60, No 5 (2009)
Review paper
Published online: 2009-10-30
Growth hormone and IGF-1 as doping agents in competitive sport
Endokrynol Pol 2009;60(5):389-394.
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are often used by athletes as doping agents. It is estimated that up to 25%
of sportsmen using anabolic-androgenic steroids also take GH. Available data do not confirm the influence of GH or IGF-1 preparations on
physical performance improvement. However, there is some evidences for many adverse effects in athletes using this form of doping.
Blood tests to detect growth hormone abuse are available since several years. Surprisingly, no one has been proven to use illegal doping
agents influencing GH/IGF-1 axis.
Keywords: growth hormonedopingathletesanti-doping tests