• Table of Contents

  • Enclomifene Citrate: A New Approach in Sports Pharmacology
  • The Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate
  • Potential Benefits in Sports
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Enclomifene Citrate: A New Approach in Sports Pharmacology

Sports pharmacology is a rapidly evolving field that aims to enhance athletic performance through the use of various substances. While some substances, such as anabolic steroids, have been widely used and studied, there are constantly new developments and discoveries in this field. One such development is the use of enclomifene citrate as a performance-enhancing drug. In this article, we will explore the pharmacology of enclomifene citrate and its potential benefits in sports.

The Pharmacology of 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, leading to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which are essential for ovulation.

However, enclomifene citrate has also been found to have potential benefits in sports, particularly in male athletes. It has been shown to increase testosterone levels by stimulating the production of LH, which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes. This increase in testosterone can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and performance.

Enclomifene citrate has a half-life of approximately 5-7 days, making it a long-acting drug. This means that it can be taken less frequently compared to other performance-enhancing drugs, which often require daily or weekly administration. This can be beneficial for athletes who want to avoid the hassle of frequent dosing.

Potential Benefits in Sports

The potential benefits of enclomifene citrate in sports are still being studied, but there have been some promising findings. In a study by Kicman et al. (2017), it was found that enclomifene citrate increased testosterone levels in male athletes without causing any significant side effects. This suggests that it may be a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids, which can have serious side effects such as liver damage and cardiovascular problems.

Furthermore, enclomifene citrate has been shown to have a positive effect on body composition. In a study by Kicman et al. (2019), male athletes who took enclomifene citrate for 12 weeks showed a significant increase in lean body mass and a decrease in body fat percentage. This can be beneficial for athletes who need to maintain a certain weight or body composition for their sport.

Another potential benefit of enclomifene citrate is its ability to improve recovery time. In a study by Kicman et al. (2020), it was found that athletes who took enclomifene citrate had a faster recovery time after intense exercise compared to those who did not take the drug. This can be beneficial for athletes who need to train and compete frequently, as it can help them recover faster and perform at their best.

Real-World Examples

Enclomifene citrate has already been used by some athletes in the real world. In 2016, Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev was banned from the Olympics after testing positive for enclomifene citrate. Lovchev claimed that he had taken the drug to treat a medical condition, but it was still considered a violation of anti-doping rules.

Another example is American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who was also banned from competing after testing positive for enclomifene citrate in 2006. Gatlin claimed that he had been given the drug by his coach without his knowledge, but he still faced a four-year ban from competition.

These real-world examples highlight the potential use of enclomifene citrate as a performance-enhancing drug in sports. However, it is important to note that the use of this drug is still prohibited by most sports organizations and is considered a violation of anti-doping rules.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, enclomifene citrate has the potential to be a game-changer in sports pharmacology. He believes that its long-acting nature and ability to increase testosterone levels without significant side effects make it a promising alternative to traditional anabolic steroids.

However, Dr. Jenkins also cautions that more research is needed to fully understand the effects and potential risks of enclomifene citrate in sports. He emphasizes the importance of responsible use and adherence to anti-doping regulations to ensure the safety and fairness of sports competitions.

Conclusion

Enclomifene citrate is a new approach in sports pharmacology that has shown potential benefits in increasing testosterone levels, improving body composition, and aiding in recovery. While it has already been used by some athletes in the real world, its use is still prohibited by most sports organizations. More research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks, but it has the potential to be a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids. Responsible use and adherence to anti-doping regulations are crucial to ensure the safety and fairness of sports competitions.

References

Kicman, A. T., Cowan, D. A., & Myhre, L. (2017). The effect of enclomiphene citrate on testosterone levels in male athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 16(3), 439-445.

Kicman, A. T., Cowan, D. A., & Myhre, L. (2019). The effect of enclomiphene citrate on body composition in male athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(5), 1357-1362.

Kicman, A. T., Cowan, D. A., & Myhre, L. (2020). The effect of enclomiphene citrate on recovery time in male athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(2), 234-239.

WADA. (2021). The World Anti-Doping Code. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do/the-code