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The Efficacy of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports

Sports performance and enhancement have always been a topic of interest in the world of sports. Athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. One of the methods that have gained popularity in recent years is the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While the use of PEDs is prohibited in most sports, there are still athletes who turn to them in hopes of achieving their desired results. One such PED that has been gaining attention is enclomifene citrate.

What is 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 the effects of estrogen in the body, which can stimulate the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are essential for ovulation and fertility in women.

However, enclomifene citrate has also been found to have potential benefits in the world of sports. It has been reported to increase testosterone levels in men, which can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and performance. This has led to its use as a PED by some athletes.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Enclomifene Citrate

Enclomifene citrate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 2-3 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 5-7 days, making it a long-acting drug. This means that it can remain in the body for an extended period, allowing for sustained effects.

Enclomifene citrate works by binding to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes. This leads to an increase in the production of FSH and LH, which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone. It also has anti-estrogenic effects, which can help prevent the negative side effects of excess estrogen in the body.

Benefits of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports has been reported to have several benefits, including:

Increased testosterone levels: As mentioned earlier, enclomifene citrate can increase testosterone levels in men, which can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and performance.
Improved recovery: Testosterone is known to aid in muscle recovery, and enclomifene citrate can help increase its levels in the body, leading to faster recovery after intense training sessions.
Reduced estrogen levels: Enclomifene citrate has anti-estrogenic effects, which can help prevent the negative side effects of excess estrogen in the body, such as gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) and water retention.
Legal status: Unlike other PEDs, enclomifene citrate is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. This means that athletes can use it without fear of facing sanctions or disqualification.

Real-World Examples

One of the most notable examples of enclomifene citrate’s use in sports is in the case of former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen. In 2014, Sonnen tested positive for enclomifene citrate and was suspended for two years by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Sonnen claimed that he was using the drug to treat hypogonadism, a condition that results in low testosterone levels. However, the commission ruled that he was using it as a PED and imposed the suspension.

Another example is the case of Indian sprinter Dutee Chand. In 2014, Chand was banned from competing due to her naturally high levels of testosterone. However, in 2015, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the ban, stating that there was no evidence to suggest that her high testosterone levels gave her an unfair advantage. Chand’s case sparked a debate on the use of testosterone as a performance-enhancing drug and its potential benefits in sports.

Expert Opinion

While there is limited research on the use of enclomifene citrate in sports, experts in the field of sports pharmacology have weighed in on its potential efficacy. Dr. Harrison Pope, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, stated in an interview with ESPN that enclomifene citrate could potentially increase testosterone levels in men and improve their performance. However, he also cautioned that its long-term effects on the body are still unknown and that more research is needed.

Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports doping expert, also shared his thoughts on enclomifene citrate in an interview with The New York Times. He stated that while the drug may have some benefits in sports, it is not a magic bullet and should not be seen as a substitute for hard work and training.

Conclusion

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is a controversial topic, with some athletes and experts touting its potential benefits, while others remain skeptical. While there is limited research on its efficacy in sports, there have been real-world examples of its use and its potential to increase testosterone levels and improve performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body and its potential as a PED. As with any performance-enhancing drug, the use of enclomifene citrate should be carefully considered, and athletes should always prioritize their health and well-being above any potential gains.

References

1. Johnson, J., Smith, A., & Brown, K. (2021). The use of enclomifene citrate in sports: a review of the literature. Journal of Sports Pharmacology, 10(2), 45-56.

2. Pope, H., & Katz, D. (2020). Enclomifene citrate and its potential use in sports. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(4), 189-196.

3. Catlin, D. (2019). Enclomifene citrate: a potential performance-enhancing drug in sports? The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/sports/enclomifene-citrate-sports-doping.html