• Table of Contents

  • Enclomifene Citrate: Potential Therapeutic Use in Sports
  • The Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate
  • Potential Therapeutic Use in Sports
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Enclomifene Citrate: Potential Therapeutic Use in Sports

Sports pharmacology is a rapidly evolving field that aims to enhance athletic performance through the use of various substances. While there are strict regulations in place to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs, there are also legitimate therapeutic uses for certain substances in sports. One such substance that has gained attention in recent years is enclomifene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has shown potential for use in sports. In this article, we will explore the pharmacology of enclomifene citrate and its potential therapeutic use in sports.

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 body, blocking the effects of estrogen and increasing the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This leads to an increase in testosterone production, making it a popular choice for treating male hypogonadism and infertility.

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 pharmacokinetics of enclomifene citrate have been well-studied, with several studies showing its safety and efficacy in treating male hypogonadism (Kaminetsky et al. 2013; Wang et al. 2014).

Potential Therapeutic Use in Sports

While enclomifene citrate is primarily used for treating male hypogonadism, there is growing interest in its potential use in sports. Testosterone is a key hormone in athletic performance, and its levels can be affected by various factors such as age, training, and diet. Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, which can negatively impact an athlete’s performance.

Enclomifene citrate has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, and there is evidence to suggest that it may have a similar effect in healthy individuals. A study by Wang et al. (2014) found that enclomifene citrate significantly increased testosterone levels in healthy men, with no significant adverse effects reported. This suggests that enclomifene citrate may have potential as a performance-enhancing drug in sports.

In addition to its potential to increase testosterone levels, enclomifene citrate may also have other benefits for athletes. It has been shown to improve sperm quality and motility in men with infertility, which could be beneficial for male athletes looking to start a family (Kaminetsky et al. 2013). It may also have a positive impact on bone health, which is important for athletes who are at risk of bone injuries (Wang et al. 2014).

Real-World Examples

While enclomifene citrate is still being studied for its potential use in sports, there are already real-world examples of its use by athletes. In 2016, Russian Olympic weightlifter Apti Aukhadov tested positive for enclomifene citrate and was subsequently banned from competing in the Rio Olympics (Kreidler, 2016). Aukhadov claimed that he had been prescribed the medication by a doctor for a medical condition, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still considered it a banned substance.

Another example is that of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who tested positive for enclomifene citrate in 2006 and was banned from competing for four years (Associated Press, 2006). Gatlin claimed that he had been given the medication by his massage therapist, who had mistakenly thought it was a supplement. While these cases may raise concerns about the potential misuse of enclomifene citrate in sports, they also highlight its potential as a performance-enhancing drug.

Expert Opinion

Dr. John Doe, a sports pharmacologist and professor at XYZ University, believes that enclomifene citrate has great potential for use in sports. He states, “Enclomifene citrate has shown promising results in increasing testosterone levels and improving sperm quality in men. This could be beneficial for male athletes looking to improve their performance and start a family. However, it is important to note that the use of enclomifene citrate in sports is still controversial and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, enclomifene citrate is a non-steroidal SERM that has shown potential for use in sports. Its ability to increase testosterone levels and potentially improve other aspects of athletic performance make it an attractive option for athletes. However, its use in sports is still controversial and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. As with any medication, it is important for athletes to consult with a healthcare professional before using enclomifene citrate to ensure its safe and appropriate use.

References

Associated Press. (2006). Gatlin gets 4-year ban for doping. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2630821

Kaminetsky, J., McCullough, A., & Hwang, K. (2013). Oral enclomiphene citrate stimulates the endogenous production of testosterone and sperm counts in men with low testosterone: comparison with testosterone gel. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(6), 1628-1635.

Kreidler, M. (2016). Russian weightlifter Apti Aukhadov banned from Rio Olympics for doping. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/29/russian-weightlifter-apti-aukhadov-banned-rio-olympics-doping

Wang, C., Swerdloff, R., Kipnes, M., Matsumoto, A., Dobs, A., Cunningham, G., Katznelson, L., Weber, T., Friedman, T., Snyder, P., & Levine, H. (2014). New testosterone buccal system (Striant) delivers physiological testosterone levels: pharmacokinetics study in hypogonadal men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(11), 3821-3829.