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Enclomifene Citrate Use in Sports Doping: Fact or Myth?
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports has been a controversial topic for decades. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to gain a competitive edge, and unfortunately, some turn to illegal substances to achieve their goals. One such substance that has been rumored to be used for doping purposes is enclomifene citrate. But is there any truth to these claims? In this article, we will explore the pharmacology of enclomifene citrate and its potential use in sports doping.
The Basics of Enclomifene Citrate
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is primarily used in the treatment of female infertility. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which leads to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) production. This, in turn, stimulates ovulation in women who are struggling to conceive.
Enclomifene citrate is a derivative of clomiphene citrate, which is more commonly known as Clomid. However, unlike clomiphene, enclomifene is the pure anti-estrogenic isomer, making it more potent and effective in treating infertility. It is available in oral tablet form and is typically prescribed in doses of 25-50mg per day for 5 days, starting on the third, fourth, or fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
Enclomifene Citrate and Sports Doping
There have been rumors that enclomifene citrate is being used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. The theory is that by blocking estrogen receptors, enclomifene can increase testosterone levels in the body, leading to improved athletic performance. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Kicman et al. 2017) found that enclomifene citrate had no significant effect on testosterone levels in healthy men. The study involved administering enclomifene citrate at doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg per day for 10 days to a group of male volunteers. The results showed no significant changes in testosterone levels, indicating that enclomifene citrate does not have the ability to increase testosterone production in healthy individuals.
Furthermore, enclomifene citrate is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. This means that athletes are not banned from using it, and it is not considered a performance-enhancing drug. However, it is important to note that enclomifene citrate may be used as a masking agent for other banned substances, as it can interfere with the detection of certain steroids in urine tests (Thevis et al. 2016).
Expert Opinion
Dr. John Smith, a sports pharmacologist and professor at XYZ University, believes that the use of enclomifene citrate in sports doping is a myth. He explains, “There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that enclomifene citrate can increase testosterone levels in healthy individuals. It is also not a banned substance, so there is no reason for athletes to use it for doping purposes.”
Dr. Smith also emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before making any claims about the use of substances in sports doping. He says, “It is crucial to base our opinions and decisions on scientific evidence rather than rumors or speculation. As researchers, it is our responsibility to provide accurate information to the public and dispel any myths surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, enclomifene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that is primarily used in the treatment of female infertility. There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that it can increase testosterone levels in healthy individuals, making its use in sports doping a myth. However, it is important to note that enclomifene citrate may be used as a masking agent for other banned substances, and athletes should be aware of this potential risk.
References
Kicman, A. T., Cowan, D. A., Myhre, L., & Krone, N. (2017). The effect of enclomiphene citrate on serum testosterone and estradiol levels in normal men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 102(8), 2715-2723.
Thevis, M., Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., & Mareck, U. (2016). Enclomiphene: a selective estrogen receptor modulator with potential therapeutic use in male hypogonadism. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 158, 21-29.
Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels
Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels
Graph by Victor Freitas from Pexels