Glucocorticoids in doping

Glucocorticoids are officially included in the list of doping substances and their systematic administration (oral, rectal, intravenous or intramuscular) is therefore prohibited in any kind of sporting competition. Application on the skin by means of ointments or inhalation is permitted after registration. The reason why glucocorticoids are considered doping substances is their anti-inflammatory effect.

Another important reason why athletes like to take glucocorticoids is that they reduce the sensitivity to pain in case of injuries. Often, competitive athletes are prescribed glucocorticoids as a therapy for injuries in the general treatment process. Therefore it is easy to get them in such a case.

Furthermore, glucocorticoids have a slightly euphoric effect and suppress feelings of tiredness. In general, they increase blood sugar levels and break down fatty tissue. The sugar as well as the breakdown products of the fat metabolism can be used by the body as a source of energy.

Glucocorticoids for stress

Glucocorticoids are considered the stress hormones of the body. They enable the body to react better to injuries or inflammations that lead to stress. Many different situations can cause the body to react to stress.

These can be injuries, cold, pain, burns or lack of oxygen. However, it is also possible that psychological factors such as anger, fear or joy trigger a stress reaction in the body. The body does not select what kind of stress it is.

Two different reaction paths are set in motion in the body. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the adrenal gland play the most important role. As a short-term reaction, adrenaline is produced, which, for example, makes our heart beat faster in stressful situations.

In a second reaction, signals are sent from the hypothalamus and at the end of a chain of reactions, glucocorticoids are released from the adrenal cortex, among other things. This happens in the case of long-term stress. This can have serious effects on health by causing sleep disorders, headaches or loss of concentration.