A Career-Ending Risk
Let's be direct: if you compete in tested sports, peptides that are "not for human consumption" but widely sold online can end your career. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits numerous peptides under multiple categories, and testing technology continues to improve.
The 2025 WADA Prohibited List
Peptides fall primarily under two WADA categories:
S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, and Mimetics
This category includes:
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs):
- Alexamorelin
- Examorelin (hexarelin)
- GHRP-1, GHRP-2 (pralmorelin), GHRP-3, GHRP-4, GHRP-5, GHRP-6
- Ipamorelin
- All other GH secretagogues
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRHs):
- Sermorelin
- CJC-1295
- Tesamorelin
Insulin-like Growth Factors:
- IGF-1 and all isoforms
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Thymosin Beta-4 and Derivatives:
- TB-500
- All fragments
S0: Non-Approved Substances
This catch-all category covers substances not approved for human therapeutic use. Many popular peptides fall here:
BPC-157: Not approved anywhere, falls under S0
MOTS-c: Specifically listed as prohibited
Follistatin: Banned as a myostatin inhibitor
Melanotan II: Prohibited
Key 2025 Updates
For 2025, WADA clarified several points:
- No major status changes (prohibited to permitted)
- New examples added for clarity
- GnRH analogs being monitored in and out of competition
The Testing Reality
Detection Windows
Peptide testing has improved significantly:
- Some peptides detectable for weeks after use
- Metabolite testing extends detection windows
- Biological passport programs can flag anomalies
No "Safe" Timing
Don't believe claims about "clearing" before competition:
- Detection methods constantly improve
- Retesting of stored samples happens
- Individual metabolism varies dramatically
What Gets Tested
Anti-doping tests can detect:
- Intact peptides
- Peptide fragments and metabolites
- Biomarkers indicating peptide use
- Abnormal hormone patterns
The Gray Market Problem
A CBC Sports investigation highlighted the accessibility issue:
"A trove of so-called research chemicals known as peptides, many of them banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, are available with the simple click of a button through online retailers."
Contamination Risk
Even if you intend to use only permitted substances, gray market products carry contamination risks:
- Cross-contamination with banned peptides
- Mislabeled products
- No quality control guarantees
"Not for Human Use" Doesn't Protect You
The WADA code doesn't care about:
- How the substance was marketed
- Whether it was called "research only"
- Your intent or knowledge
Strict liability means you're responsible for what's in your body, period.
Consequences of a Positive Test
First Offense (Intentional)
- 4-year suspension minimum
- Prize money forfeiture
- Results disqualification
- Reputation damage
Subsequent Offenses
- Lifetime bans possible
- Criminal charges in some jurisdictions
Contamination Cases
Even unintentional positives typically result in:
- Suspension (often reduced but still career-damaging)
- Legal costs fighting the case
- Public association with doping
What Athletes Should Know
Before Using ANY Supplement
- Check WADA's Prohibited List: Updated annually, effective January 1
- Use certified products: Look for NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, or similar
- Consult your federation: Rules may be stricter than WADA minimums
- Document everything: Keep records of all supplements used
High-Risk Categories
Be especially cautious with:
- "Research peptides"
- Import products
- Compounded medications
- Prohormone/GH boosters
- Recovery or healing products
Peptides You CAN'T Use
A non-exhaustive list of prohibited peptides:
- BPC-157
- TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
- All GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, etc.)
- CJC-1295, Sermorelin
- IGF-1, MGF
- MOTS-c
- Follistatin
- Melanotan I and II
- PT-141 (in competition)
- AOD-9604
The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Path
Some peptides can be used with a valid TUE:
- Insulin (for diagnosed diabetes)
- Certain growth hormone conditions
- Specific medical necessities
However: Most peptides discussed in online forums have no legitimate TUE pathway.
A Note on "Underground" Testing
Some athletes believe they can:
- Test themselves before competition
- Time their cycles to clear
- Use masking agents
This is extremely risky:
- Anti-doping labs use more sensitive methods
- Retesting can occur years later
- Biological passport catches patterns over time
Conclusion
For competitive athletes, the peptide landscape is simple: don't use prohibited substances. The consequences—career destruction, financial loss, public shame—far outweigh any potential benefit.
If you're considering peptides for injury recovery or performance, understand that many widely available compounds are career-enders. No gray-market peptide is worth a lifetime ban.
When in doubt, check WADA's list, consult your sports federation, and use only certified supplements. Your career depends on it.
This article is for educational purposes only. Athletes should consult their federations and anti-doping authorities for current regulations.