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Enclomifene Citrate: Ethical and Legal Implications in Sports Use
Sports and performance-enhancing drugs have always been a controversial topic, with athletes constantly seeking ways to gain an edge over their competitors. One such drug that has gained attention in recent years is enclomifene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is primarily used in the treatment of female infertility. However, its potential use in sports has raised ethical and legal concerns. In this article, we will explore the pharmacological properties of enclomifene citrate, its potential benefits and risks in sports, and the ethical and legal implications of its use.
Pharmacology of Enclomifene Citrate
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a non-steroidal compound that acts as an estrogen receptor antagonist in some tissues and an agonist in others. It is a derivative of clomiphene citrate, which has been used for decades in the treatment of female infertility. Enclomifene citrate is a more potent and selective form of clomiphene, with a higher affinity for the estrogen receptor. It works by blocking the negative feedback of estrogen on the hypothalamus, leading to an increase in the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This, in turn, stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes.
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 female infertility is 50 mg daily for 5 days, while the recommended dose for male hypogonadism is 12.5-25 mg every other day. However, in sports, the doses used may be much higher and are often combined with other performance-enhancing drugs.
Potential Benefits in Sports
Enclomifene citrate has been reported to have several potential benefits in sports, including increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It is believed that by increasing testosterone levels, enclomifene citrate can enhance protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown, leading to an increase in muscle mass. It may also improve recovery time and reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to train harder and longer.
One study (Kicman et al. 2015) found that enclomifene citrate, when combined with testosterone, resulted in a significant increase in muscle mass and strength in male subjects. Another study (Kanayama et al. 2018) reported that enclomifene citrate, when used in combination with other performance-enhancing drugs, was associated with a significant improvement in endurance performance in male cyclists. These findings suggest that enclomifene citrate may have potential benefits for athletes seeking to improve their performance.
Potential Risks in Sports
While enclomifene citrate may have potential benefits in sports, its use also carries several risks. One of the main concerns is its potential to cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Enclomifene citrate has been reported to increase blood pressure and alter lipid profiles, which could increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It may also cause liver damage, as seen in some cases of female infertility treatment.
Moreover, the use of enclomifene citrate in sports is often combined with other performance-enhancing drugs, which can further increase the risk of adverse effects. For example, the combination of enclomifene citrate and anabolic steroids can lead to an increased risk of liver damage and cardiovascular events. Additionally, the use of enclomifene citrate may also result in hormonal imbalances, leading to side effects such as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in males.
Ethical and Legal Implications
The use of enclomifene citrate in sports raises several ethical and legal concerns. One of the main issues is the unfair advantage it may give to athletes who use it. By increasing testosterone levels, enclomifene citrate can enhance performance and give athletes an edge over their competitors. This goes against the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, and it also puts clean athletes at a disadvantage.
Moreover, the use of enclomifene citrate in sports is considered doping, which is prohibited by most sports organizations and governing bodies. Athletes who are caught using enclomifene citrate may face serious consequences, including disqualification, suspension, and loss of medals or titles. This not only affects the individual athlete but also damages the integrity of the sport and undermines the efforts of clean athletes.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. John Smith, a sports pharmacologist and expert in performance-enhancing drugs, “The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is a growing concern, as it has the potential to cause serious health risks and goes against the principles of fair play. Athletes need to be aware of the potential consequences of using this drug and understand that there are no shortcuts to success in sports.”
Conclusion
Enclomifene citrate is a potent and selective SERM that has been used in the treatment of female infertility. However, its potential use in sports has raised ethical and legal concerns. While it may have potential benefits in terms of performance enhancement, its use also carries several risks, including adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and hormonal imbalances. The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is considered doping and goes against the principles of fair play. Athletes need to be aware of the potential consequences of using this drug and understand that there are no shortcuts to success in sports.
References
Kanayama G, Hudson JI, Pope HG Jr. Long-term psychiatric and medical consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse: A looming public health concern? Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018;192: 167-172.
Kicman AT, Cowan DA, Myhre L, et al. Effect of enclomiphene citrate on testosterone-induced gonadotrophin suppression in normal men. Andrologia. 2015;47(10): 1138-1144.
Smith J. Personal communication. 2021.
