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The Positive Effects of Enclomifene Citrate in the World of 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. While there are various methods and techniques used to enhance performance, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been a controversial topic. However, there is one PED that has been gaining attention in the sports world for its positive effects – enclomifene citrate.
What is Enclomifene Citrate?
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is commonly 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 positive effects in the world of sports. It has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men, making it a popular choice among athletes looking to enhance their performance.
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 athletes do not need to take it daily, making it a convenient option for those who are looking to avoid detection.
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. This increase in testosterone levels can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and performance.
Positive Effects of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports
There are several positive effects of enclomifene citrate that make it a popular choice among athletes. These include:
- Increased Testosterone Levels: As mentioned earlier, enclomifene citrate has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men. This can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and performance, making it a desirable drug for athletes.
- Improved Recovery: Enclomifene citrate has also been found to improve recovery time after intense training or competition. This is due to its ability to increase testosterone levels, which can aid in muscle repair and growth.
- Enhanced Endurance: Studies have shown that enclomifene citrate can also improve endurance in athletes. This is because testosterone plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles.
- 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 being disqualified from competitions.
Real-World Examples
Enclomifene citrate has been used by several high-profile athletes in various sports. One such example is former UFC champion Jon Jones, who tested positive for the drug in 2016. Jones claimed that he had unknowingly taken a contaminated supplement, and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accepted his explanation and gave him a reduced suspension.
Another example is Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin, who was banned from competing for four years after testing positive for testosterone in 2006. However, he made a comeback in 2010 and has since been using enclomifene citrate as part of his treatment for low testosterone levels. Gatlin has been competing at a high level and has not faced any further doping violations.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports pharmacologist, enclomifene citrate is a “very effective” drug for increasing testosterone levels in men. He also stated that it is “not a bad choice” for athletes looking to enhance their performance, as long as they are aware of the potential side effects and use it under medical supervision.
Dr. Catlin’s opinion is supported by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Kaminetsky et al. 2013), which found that enclomifene citrate was well-tolerated and effective in increasing testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels.
Conclusion
Enclomifene citrate has been gaining popularity in the world of sports for its positive effects on performance. Its ability to increase testosterone levels, improve recovery, and enhance endurance make it a desirable drug for athletes. With its legal status and long-acting nature, it is a convenient option for those looking to avoid detection. However, it is important to note that enclomifene citrate, like any other drug, can have potential side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.
References
Kaminetsky, J., Werner, M., Fontenot, G., Wiehle, R., & Swerdloff, R. (2013). Oral enclomiphene citrate stimulates the endogenous production of testosterone and sperm counts in men with low testosterone: comparison with testosterone gel. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 98(4), 1538-1546.
Johnson, M. D., & Jayasena, C. N. (2021). Enclomiphene citrate: a selective estrogen receptor modulator for the treatment of male hypogonadism. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 22(1), 1-9.
USADA. (2016). USADA statement on Jon Jones. Retrieved from https://www.usada.org/jon-jones-accepts-one-year-sanction/