ACTIVE: Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreation
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026)

Doping and Reproductive Health in Female Athletes: A Narrative Literature Review

Dafa Wishnu Moerara (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang)
Muhammad Rafi Zulfikar (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang)
Muhammad Arief Setiawan (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang)
Aprillia Wulan Utari (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang)
A. Ine Aprilia Damai (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Doping is not only a violation of sport integrity but also a health-risk behaviour with specific implications for female athletes. This narrative literature review synthesises peer-reviewed studies, consensus statements, and official anti-doping documents published mainly between 2014 and 2026. The review focused on prohibited substances and methods that may affect endocrine regulation, menstrual function, fertility potential, virilisation, sexual health, and athlete well-being. The strongest evidence concerns anabolic-androgenic steroids, which can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, impair ovulation, cause oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, reduce fertility potential, and produce androgenic changes such as acne, hirsutism, voice deepening, breast atrophy, and clitoromegaly. Human growth hormone, stimulants, hormone modulators, diuretics, and masking practices may contribute to reproductive-health risk indirectly through metabolic disturbance, cardiovascular strain, neuroendocrine stress, appetite suppression, low energy availability, and substance stacking. Menstrual dysfunction should not be interpreted as direct proof of doping because relative energy deficiency in sport, psychological stress, training load, eating disorders, pregnancy, and endocrine disease may produce overlapping symptoms. Prevention therefore requires gender-responsive anti-doping education, confidential medical referral, menstrual-health monitoring, supplement-risk counselling, therapeutic-use guidance, psychological support, and consistent anti-doping control. The review concludes that clean-sport policy should be integrated with reproductive-health protection so that female athletes receive both fair-competition safeguards and clinically appropriate support.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

peshr

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

Journal is a peer-reviewed, four-color, professional journal. Continuously published since 2012, Active serves as an authoritative, professional source for educators in physical education, sports, health, and recreation in all settings. It provides the information needed to assist students and ...