The Evolution of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in Bodybuilding

The idea that a single endogenous hormone was responsible for the development of male characteristics has a long history, dating back thousands of years across various cultures that linked masculinity to the testes. However, it wasn't until 1849 that this theory gained any scientific credibility. Dr. Berthold, a German scientist, conducted experiments to assess the effects of castration on immature roosters, leading to the hypothesis that testicular secretions played a role in aggressive behavior.

Key Milestones in Hormone Research

  • 1931: Adolf Butenandt isolates the first male androgen, androsterone.
  • 1935: Testosterone is isolated and synthesized from cholesterol.
  • 1939: Discussion of stimulants in sports by Author Boje.

Fast forward to 1931, when Adolf Butenandt achieved a significant milestone by isolating the first male androgen, androsterone. This hormone was extracted from a staggering 15,000 liters of urine donated by the Viennese police force. While androsterone didn't possess the anabolic and androgenic potency of testosterone, its discovery was a crucial step in the right direction, hinting at the potential of hormones in the realm of medicine and performance enhancement. Just a few years later, in 1935, testosterone was isolated and synthesized from cholesterol, solidifying its position as a key hormone.

In 1939, Author Boje discussed the widespread use of stimulants in sports, suggesting a belief in testosterone's potential to enhance performance. However, he also cautioned about the potential health risks associated with this hormone.

The Rise of Pharmaceutical Giants in the 1940s

The 1940s witnessed the rise of pharmaceutical giants like Searle and Ciba, driven primarily by profit. Many new steroids were synthesized during this era, but only a small fraction of them would eventually be manufactured and sold as prescription drugs. Simultaneously, research efforts to obtain Growth Hormone (GH) for treating GH-deficient children began, focusing initially on primates. This research led to the purification of bovine and porcine GH, but these versions of the hormone displayed limited biochemical or metabolic activity in humans.

Introduction of Cadaveric GH

With the realization that animal-derived GH was ineffective in humans and the chemical structure of GH still a mystery, the next logical step was to extract the hormone from the pituitary glands of deceased individuals. This breakthrough was first reported in 1956, resulting in the introduction of cadaveric GH as the primary GH treatment for nearly three decades. However, it wasn't until 1972 that the chemical structure of GH was unveiled, setting the stage for its synthesis in the years to come.

GH in Bodybuilding: A Slow Rise to Prominence

Despite the numerous performance-enhancing benefits of GH, it remained relatively obscure in the bodybuilding community throughout the 1970s. This was in stark contrast to the widespread use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), which had already made a significant impact. Several factors contributed to this disparity, including GH's limited availability, high cost, and relatively low public awareness of the drug. As a result, GH was largely absent from the bodybuilding scene for nearly 35 years after its initial introduction.

Steroid Usage During the 1970s

Before delving further into the 1980s, it's essential to revisit the state of steroid usage during the 1970s. Although much has changed in the world of bodybuilding since then, some aspects have remained consistent. Steroids like methandrostenolone (Dianabol), testosterone (in various esters and suspension forms), nandrolone (Deca and NPP), oxandrolone (Anavar), stanozolol (Winstrol), oxymetholone (Anadrol), fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), and other AAS were just as prevalent back then as they are today. Even drugs like trenbolone (as Parabolan) and methenolone (Primobolan) were relatively accessible. Furthermore, some exotic compounds that were only available through pharmaceutical companies during that era added a unique dimension to the available steroids. These traditional AAS have maintained their popularity over the years. However, there were notable differences in how these drugs were used and which ones were favored.

The Role of Dianabol in the Golden Era

While testosterone forms the foundation of most steroid cycles today, it was Dianabol that held this position in the Golden Era of bodybuilding. Dianabol's popularity during that time cannot be overstated. It was the primary mass-building steroid and served as the cornerstone of nearly every steroid cycle, whether for bulking in the off-season or preparing for a competition. It was often run as a standalone steroid and was the most recommended choice for novice users. Moreover, Dianabol cycles typically extended for more extended periods compared to contemporary practices, with cycles ranging from 12 to 20 weeks being common, and dosages varying between 10 to 100+ mg per day.

Common Steroid Stacks and Practices

Dianabol was frequently stacked with Deca or Primobolan at weekly doses ranging from 300 to 600 mg. Anadrol was occasionally used as a substitute for Dianabol but wasn't as favored. Oral steroids like Winstrol and Anavar found common usage in pre-contest preparations, particularly towards the end of the 1970s. Surprisingly, testosterone was not as widely used during this period, despite being available in various forms such as testosterone propionate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone suspension. There was a prevalent misconception regarding testosterone's safety due to its aromatization into estrogen. This misconception, coupled with the absence of aromatase inhibitors during that time, discouraged its use at higher doses. Instead, testosterone was commonly used as a base compound, supporting other steroids in a cycle, rather than being the primary anabolic agent.

Managing Estrogenic Side Effects

In the absence of effective aromatase inhibitors, high-dose testosterone usage presented significant issues related to estrogenic side effects like water retention and gynecomastia. The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and clomiphene (Clomid) was relatively common to manage these estrogenic side effects. Additionally, the potential for excessive fluid retention was addressed through the inclusion of diuretics, which were typically used in the final weeks leading up to a competition.

Insulin: A New Player in Performance Enhancement

This era also saw the emergence of insulin as a performance-enhancing aid. While it eventually became widely accepted and utilized, its introduction initially met with skepticism. The primary concerns revolved around the potential risks associated with insulin misuse. However, as knowledge and understanding of insulin improved, its usage expanded and became a standard component of the bodybuilder's toolkit.

The 1980s: A New Era in Bodybuilding

As we move into the 1980s, the landscape of bodybuilding and performance-enhancing drugs continued to evolve. The use of GH and insulin gained considerable traction, contributing significantly to the massive size gains seen in that era. These developments marked a significant departure from the practices of the 1970s and set the stage for further advancements in the years to come.

In summary, the evolution of performance-enhancing drugs in bodybuilding reflects a continuous quest for performance enhancement. Athletes and scientists alike have explored new frontiers in the pursuit of physical excellence, with each decade bringing unique developments and challenges to the sport.