Doping: a challenge to the endocrinologist. A reappraisal in view of the Olympic Games of 2004.

The aim of this review is to provide an update on drug abuse by athletes, their mode of action and the technical difficulties of detection. The most common doping agents are the anabolic steroids (AS), testosterone derivatives modified to take advantage of the anabolic rather than the androgenic properties of the hormone. However, there are numerous side-effects that discourage their use. Several other substances and hormones, GH and rhEPO are currently used alone or combined to enhance performance. The diversity in nature of the substances used requires a constant alertness of physicians to detect drug abuse in sports. Doping is not limited to the professional athletes. It seems to be a generalized phenomenon that reflects modern society's concept of success. Therefore, the campaign to eradicate doping must also focus on individual responsibility. Since modern-day doping is strongly related to hormonal preparations, endocrinologists may play a pivotal role in providing information, protecting athletes' health and, moreover, retaining the ethical value of sport.