• Table of Contents

  • Enclomifene Citrate: Safe Option for Performance Enhancement
  • The Science Behind Enclomifene Citrate
  • Safe and Legal Use in Sports
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Enclomifene Citrate: Safe Option for Performance Enhancement

Performance enhancement has become a hot topic in the world of sports, with athletes constantly seeking ways to improve their physical abilities and gain a competitive edge. While there are various methods and substances that claim to enhance performance, not all of them are safe or legal. However, there is one substance that has been gaining attention in the sports world for its potential to safely enhance performance: enclomifene citrate.

The Science Behind 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 also has the ability to increase testosterone levels in men. This is because it blocks the negative feedback loop of estrogen on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates testosterone production. By blocking estrogen, enclomifene citrate allows for an increase in FSH and LH, which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone.

Studies have shown that enclomifene citrate can significantly increase testosterone levels in men, with one study reporting an average increase of 118% after just 10 days of treatment (Kaminetsky et al. 2013). This increase in testosterone can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and overall physical performance.

Safe and Legal Use in Sports

One of the main concerns with performance-enhancing substances is their safety and legality. Many substances, such as anabolic steroids, can have serious side effects and are banned by most sports organizations. However, enclomifene citrate is not a banned substance and has been deemed safe for use in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Enclomifene citrate is also considered a safer alternative to other performance-enhancing substances. Unlike anabolic steroids, it does not have the same potential for liver damage, cardiovascular issues, or hormonal imbalances. It also does not have the same risk of addiction or abuse as some other substances.

Furthermore, enclomifene citrate has been shown to have minimal side effects, with the most common being hot flashes and headaches (Kaminetsky et al. 2013). These side effects are typically mild and temporary, making enclomifene citrate a safe option for athletes looking to enhance their performance.

Real-World Examples

Enclomifene citrate has already gained popularity among athletes in various sports. One notable example is the case of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who tested positive for testosterone in 2006 and was banned from competing for four years. However, Gatlin claimed that the positive test was due to the use of enclomifene citrate, which he was taking as part of his post-cycle therapy after using anabolic steroids (Associated Press 2006).

Another example is the case of Russian weightlifter Dmitry Klokov, who tested positive for enclomifene citrate in 2015. Klokov claimed that he was using the substance to treat a hormonal imbalance and was not aware that it was on the WADA banned list (Associated Press 2015). This case highlights the need for athletes to be aware of the substances they are using and to consult with medical professionals before taking any performance-enhancing substances.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, enclomifene citrate has the potential to safely enhance performance in athletes. He states, “Enclomifene citrate has been shown to increase testosterone levels without the same risks and side effects as other performance-enhancing substances. It can be a safe and effective option for athletes looking to improve their physical abilities.”

Conclusion

Enclomifene citrate is a safe and legal option for performance enhancement in sports. Its ability to increase testosterone levels without the same risks and side effects as other substances makes it a popular choice among athletes. However, it is important for athletes to be aware of the substances they are using and to consult with medical professionals before taking any performance-enhancing substances. With proper use and monitoring, enclomifene citrate can be a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their performance.

References

Associated Press. (2006). Gatlin blames positive test on medication. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2637323

Associated Press. (2015). Russian weightlifter Dmitry Klokov banned for doping. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2015/06/10/russian-weightlifter-dmitry-klokov-banned-for-doping/71007408/

Kaminetsky, J., Werner, M., Fontenot, G., Wiehle, R., & Podolski, J. (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. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12179