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How PIEDs work

Anabolic steroids – ‘roids, gear, juice

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic hormones that imitate testosterone. They can be taken as an injection, tablets, gels or a pump. Steroids are used due to their anabolic effects that assist in the growth and repair of muscle tissue.


Peptides

Peptides stimulate the release of human growth hormone, which has an important role in muscle and bone growth. Peptides have become increasingly popular among professional and amateur athletes as they are hard to detect due to how quickly they are absorbed by the body.


Hormones

Hormones are chemicals released by the body. For example, the pituitary gland naturally releases growth hormone which tells bones and muscles to grow and repair. There are numerous artificial hormones and hormone stimulating drugs available in the PIEDs market.

  • Growth hormones like AOD-9604, which has fat burning properties and is used by athletes to increase power-to-weight ratios.
  • Selective Androgen Receptor Modules (SARMs) appear to only act on anabolic receptors that cause tissue (such as bone and muscle) growth – these are classed as a prohibited drug by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  • Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) is a hormone produced by the liver, necessary for cell growth in the body. It is used for muscle growth and the development of cartilage and bone. This substance is a prohibited substance according to the WADA list.
  • Mechano growth factor (MGF) is derived from IGF-1 and helps with tissue repair and adaptation. It is used mostly by bodybuilders and is on the WADA prohibited list.

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