Performance enhancement drugs
Disclaimer: This self-check questionnaire is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose any condition. If you are unsure about your health, symptoms, or medication use, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Questionnaire
Use this checklist to reflect on your current or past use of performance enhancement drugs (PEDs), supplements, or related substances. Answer honestly based on the last 3–6 months unless otherwise noted.
- Have you used any prescription medications, hormones, stimulants, or supplements specifically to enhance physical, cognitive, or sexual performance?
- Did you start using these substances without medical supervision or outside a prescribed indication?
- Have you noticed changes in mood (irritability, anxiety, depression, aggression) since starting them?
- Have you experienced sleep problems, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness?
- Do you have new or worsening headaches, palpitations, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath?
- Have you observed changes in appetite, weight, or body composition that feel uncontrolled?
- Have you had gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation) after use?
- Have you noticed skin changes (acne, rashes), hair loss, or swelling?
- For hormonal products: have you noticed changes in libido, menstrual regularity, erectile function, or fertility concerns?
- Do you combine multiple substances (stacking) or mix them with alcohol, energy drinks, or recreational drugs?
- Have you increased the dose or frequency over time to achieve the same effect?
- Do you feel unable to perform (train, work, study) without these substances?
- Have you experienced withdrawal-like symptoms when stopping (fatigue, low mood, cravings)?
- Do you have underlying conditions (heart disease, hypertension, liver/kidney issues, mental health conditions) that could increase risk?
- Are you exposed to triggers such as competitive pressure, body image concerns, tight deadlines, or financial stress?
- Have friends, coaches, or colleagues expressed concern about your use?
How to interpret answers
This reflection helps you decide whether to seek professional advice—not to label or diagnose.
- Low reason to seek help: Few “yes” answers, no concerning symptoms, use is infrequent, and there’s medical guidance.
- Medium reason to seek help: Several “yes” answers, mild symptoms, dose escalation, or combining substances.
- High reason to seek help: Many “yes” answers, significant symptoms (cardiovascular, mood, hormonal), dependence concerns, or high-risk conditions.
Next steps: what to do
- Pause and monitor: If safe to do so, avoid new substances and observe symptoms for 1–2 weeks.
- Record details: Note names, doses, timing, sources, and any effects or side effects.
- Review interactions: List all medications and supplements to identify potential interactions.
- Choose the right specialist: Start with a primary care physician; consider cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, or sports medicine as advised.
- Prepare questions: Ask about risks, evidence of benefit, safer alternatives, and monitoring tests.
- Consider non-drug strategies: Training plans, sleep optimization, nutrition, stress management, and goal setting.
- Follow up: Schedule reassessment to review symptoms and adjust plans.
| Situation | Urgency | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional use, no symptoms | Low | Educate yourself; avoid stacking; monitor |
| Mild mood or sleep changes | Medium | Book a routine medical appointment |
| Palpitations, chest pain, fainting | High | Seek urgent medical care |
| Dependence or withdrawal concerns | High | Consult a healthcare professional promptly |
FAQ
- What counts as performance enhancement drugs? Substances used to improve physical, cognitive, or sexual performance, including hormones, stimulants, and some supplements.
- Are over-the-counter supplements safer? Not always; quality and dosing vary, and interactions can occur.
- Can short-term use still carry risks? Yes—especially with high doses, combinations, or underlying conditions.
- Do these substances affect mental health? Some can influence mood, anxiety, sleep, and behavior.
- Should athletes disclose use to doctors? Yes—full disclosure improves safety and care.
- Are there evidence-based alternatives? Often yes: training periodization, nutrition, recovery, and behavioral strategies.
- Is testing necessary? A clinician may suggest labs or monitoring based on symptoms and substances used.
Related reading across our site categories:
Blog insights on health trends,
How-To guides for safer training,
Uncategorized resources and public notes.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Substance use and health guidance
- U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) — MedlinePlus, supplements and drug safety
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Medication safety
- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) — Health risks of performance-enhancing substances
- UpToDate — Clinical reviews on anabolic-androgenic steroids and stimulants
