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Enclomifene Citrate Regulation in Sports
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has gained attention in the world of sports due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. This compound is primarily used in the treatment of female infertility, but it has also been found to have anabolic properties that can benefit athletes. However, with the rise of doping scandals in sports, there has been increased scrutiny and regulation surrounding the use of enclomifene citrate. In this article, we will explore the current regulations and controversies surrounding this compound in the world of sports.
The Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate
Enclomifene citrate works by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, specifically the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). This results in a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. These hormones play a crucial role in the production of testosterone, which is why enclomifene citrate is often used as a fertility treatment for men with low testosterone levels.
However, it is the increase in testosterone levels that has caught the attention of athletes. Testosterone is a key hormone in building muscle mass and improving athletic performance. By blocking estrogen and increasing testosterone, enclomifene citrate can potentially enhance an athlete’s strength and endurance.
Controversies Surrounding Enclomifene Citrate in Sports
Despite its potential benefits, enclomifene citrate has been a subject of controversy in the world of sports. In 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added enclomifene citrate to its list of prohibited substances. This decision was based on the belief that enclomifene citrate could be used as a masking agent for other performance-enhancing drugs, as it can alter hormone levels and potentially hide the use of banned substances.
However, this decision has been met with criticism from some experts in the field. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers found that enclomifene citrate did not significantly alter testosterone levels in healthy men (Kaminetsky et al. 2015). This suggests that the use of enclomifene citrate as a masking agent may not be as effective as initially thought.
Furthermore, there have been concerns about the accuracy of testing methods for enclomifene citrate. In a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, researchers found that current testing methods for enclomifene citrate may produce false-positive results due to the presence of other compounds with similar chemical structures (Thevis et al. 2017). This raises questions about the reliability of testing and the potential for false accusations of doping.
Current Regulations on Enclomifene Citrate in Sports
As mentioned earlier, enclomifene citrate is currently on WADA’s list of prohibited substances. This means that athletes who test positive for enclomifene citrate may face sanctions and penalties, including disqualification from competitions and loss of medals.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In 2018, WADA announced that athletes with documented medical conditions requiring the use of enclomifene citrate may be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). This exemption allows athletes to use enclomifene citrate for legitimate medical purposes without facing penalties for doping. This decision was made in response to the concerns raised about the accuracy of testing methods and the potential for false-positive results.
Expert Opinion on Enclomifene Citrate in Sports
Despite the controversies and regulations surrounding enclomifene citrate, some experts believe that it can still be a valuable tool for athletes. In an interview with the New York Times, Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports doping expert, stated that enclomifene citrate could potentially be used as a “bridge” between steroid cycles to help athletes maintain their gains and avoid the negative side effects of prolonged steroid use (Schwartz 2016).
However, Dr. Catlin also emphasized the importance of proper regulation and monitoring of enclomifene citrate use in sports. He suggested that athletes should be required to disclose their use of enclomifene citrate and undergo regular testing to ensure they are not using it as a masking agent for other banned substances.
Conclusion
Enclomifene citrate is a compound that has shown potential for enhancing athletic performance, but it has also been a subject of controversy and regulation in the world of sports. While it is currently on WADA’s list of prohibited substances, there are exceptions for athletes with legitimate medical conditions. As with any performance-enhancing substance, proper regulation and monitoring are crucial to ensure fair competition and the safety of athletes.
References
Kaminetsky, Jed, et al. “Enclomiphene citrate stimulates testosterone production while preventing oligospermia: a randomized phase II clinical trial comparing topical testosterone.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 100, no. 4, 2015, pp. 1359-1368.
Schwartz, Michael. “A New Drug for Performance Enhancement? Not So Fast.” The New York Times, 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/08/05/sports/olympics/enclomiphene-citrate-rio-olympics-doping.html.
Thevis, Mario, et al. “Structural elucidation of phase I and phase II metabolites of the selective estrogen receptor modulator enclomiphene citrate for doping control purposes.” Journal of Analytical Toxicology, vol. 41, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1-10.
