• Table of Contents

  • The Regulation of Enclomifene Citrate Use in Sports
  • The Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate
  • The Potential for Abuse in Sports
  • The Current Regulations
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

The Regulation of Enclomifene Citrate Use in Sports

Sports and performance-enhancing drugs have been a controversial topic for decades. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to gain a competitive edge, and unfortunately, some turn to the use of banned substances. One such substance that has gained attention in recent years is enclomifene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been used in the treatment of male hypogonadism. However, its potential for performance enhancement has raised concerns among sports organizations and regulatory bodies. In this article, we will explore the pharmacology of enclomifene citrate, its potential for abuse in sports, and the current regulations surrounding its use.

The Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate

Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a non-steroidal SERM that is structurally similar to clomiphene citrate. It works by binding to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, blocking the negative feedback loop that inhibits the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This leads to an increase in the production of testosterone, making it a popular treatment for male hypogonadism.

Enclomifene citrate has a half-life of approximately 5-7 days and is metabolized in the liver. It is primarily excreted in the feces, with a small amount being eliminated in the urine. The recommended therapeutic dose for male hypogonadism is 12.5-25 mg per day, but some athletes have been reported to use much higher doses for performance enhancement.

The Potential for Abuse in Sports

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is primarily driven by its ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair, making it a desirable substance for athletes looking to improve their performance. However, the use of enclomifene citrate for this purpose is considered doping and is banned by most sports organizations.

Studies have shown that enclomifene citrate can significantly increase testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism. In one study, men with low testosterone levels were given 25 mg of enclomifene citrate daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, their testosterone levels had increased by an average of 118%. This increase in testosterone can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and endurance, giving athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors.

Furthermore, enclomifene citrate has been found to have a long detection time in the body, making it difficult to detect in drug tests. This has led to concerns that it is being used by athletes as a masking agent for other banned substances. In fact, in 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added enclomifene citrate to its list of prohibited substances, citing its potential for abuse in sports.

The Current Regulations

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is regulated by various organizations, including WADA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). These organizations have strict guidelines in place to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including enclomifene citrate.

According to WADA’s Prohibited List, enclomifene citrate is banned at all times, both in and out of competition. This means that athletes are not allowed to use it at any point, whether they are competing or not. The IOC and USADA have similar regulations in place, with the latter also conducting random drug tests to ensure compliance.

However, there have been cases where athletes have been granted therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) for enclomifene citrate. TUEs are granted to athletes who have a legitimate medical need for a banned substance. In these cases, the athlete must provide medical evidence to support their use of the substance and must also undergo regular monitoring to ensure they are not abusing it for performance enhancement.

Expert Opinion

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed by sports organizations and regulatory bodies. While it may have legitimate medical uses, its potential for abuse and masking other banned substances cannot be ignored. As a researcher in the field of sports pharmacology, I believe that stricter regulations and monitoring are necessary to prevent the misuse of enclomifene citrate in sports. Athletes should also be educated on the potential risks and consequences of using this substance for performance enhancement.

References

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

2. World Anti-Doping Agency. (2021). The 2021 Prohibited List. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/2021list_en.pdf

3. United States Anti-Doping Agency. (2021). Enclomifene citrate. Retrieved from https://www.usada.org/substances/prohibited-list/substance-profile-enclomifene-citrate/

4. International Olympic Committee. (2021). Medical and scientific commission: enclomifene citrate. Retrieved from https://stillmed.olympic.org/media/Document%20Library/OlympicOrg/IOC/Who-We-Are/Commissions/Medical-and-Scientific-Commission/IOC-List-of-Prohibited-Substances-and-Methods-2019-EN.pdf#_ga=2.261774441.1230637326.1623073653-1111111111.1111111111