I have done my best to give a breakdown of the different "types" of PED's and what advantages they would give athletes that take them. To often people take PED's to savor the glory of winning however what they fail to realize is that there are higher prices to pay. You will notice some of the classes are not on or form part the banned list but I have included them as there are risks nontheless due to lack of long term studies. I am no doctor so my list may be incomplete. These are very general side effects (hopefully enough to deter you). Anobolic – Androgenic Steriods Why are they taken? Increase muscle mass and strength Side Effects Men may develop: Prominent breasts Baldness Shrunken testicles Infertility Women may develop: A deeper voice An enlarged clitoris Increased body hair Baldness Both men and women might experience: Severe acne Liver abnormalities and tumors Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence Psychiatric disorders, such as depression Drug dependence Infections or diseases such as HIV or hepatitis if you're injecting the drugs Inhibited growth and development, and risk of future health problems if you're a teenager Diuretics Why are they taken Diuretics decreases an athlete's body weight, helping them to compete in a lighter weight class.Diuretics may also help athletes pass drug tests by diluting their urine. Side Effects Dehydration Muscle cramps Exhaustion Dizziness Potassium deficiency Heart arrhythmias Drop in blood pressure Death Creatine Why is it taken? Creatine helps muscles make and circulate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which stores and transports energy in cells, and is used for quick, explosive bursts of activity. Creatine also delays muscle fatigue. Side Effects Stomach cramps Muscle cramps Nausea Diarrhea Weight gain Kidney damage when taken in high doses Liver damage when taken in high doses Stimulants Why are they taken Reduce fatigue Suppress appetite Increase alertness and aggressiveness Side Effects Nervousness and irritability make it hard to concentrate on the game. Insomnia can prevent an athlete from getting needed sleep. Athletes may become psychologically addicted or develop a tolerance so that they need greater amounts to achieve the desired effect, meaning they'll take doses that are much higher than the intended medical dose. Other side effects include: Heart palpitations Heart rhythm abnormalities Weight loss Tremors Mild hypertension Hallucinations Convulsions Heart attack and other circulatory problems Growth Hormones Why are they taken Increase lean body mass and improve athletic performance Side Effects Soft tissue edema Joint pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Fatigue Acromegaly Premature death (in case of acromegaly) Heart enlargement (due to prolonged use of HGH. Can't be reversed) Low blood sugar with risk of going into a diabetic coma Excessive hair growth all over the body Excessive water retention Liver damage Thyroid damage Gene Doping Why is it done? Increase muscle mass Build endurance Allow more oxygen delivery into the system Reduce pain perception Increase the number of red blood cells Side Effects Death if incorrect techniques are used in administration