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Enclomifene Citrate: Enhancing Muscle Growth in Sports
Sports performance and physical fitness are highly valued in today’s society, with athletes constantly seeking ways to improve their strength, endurance, and overall performance. While proper training and nutrition play a crucial role in achieving these goals, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has also become prevalent in the sports world. One such drug that has gained attention in recent years is enclomifene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has shown potential in promoting muscle growth and improving athletic performance. In this article, we will explore the pharmacological properties of enclomifene citrate and its potential benefits for athletes.
The Mechanism of Action of Enclomifene Citrate
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a non-steroidal SERM that is structurally similar to the fertility drug 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). These hormones play a crucial role in the production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone responsible for muscle growth and development.
By increasing the levels of FSH and LH, enclomifene citrate stimulates the production of testosterone, leading to an increase in muscle mass and strength. It also has anti-estrogenic effects, preventing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, which can lead to unwanted side effects such as gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) in male athletes.
Benefits for Athletes
The use of enclomifene citrate in sports has been primarily focused on its potential to enhance muscle growth and improve athletic performance. Studies have shown that enclomifene citrate can increase testosterone levels by up to 50%, leading to improvements in muscle mass, strength, and power output (Kicman et al. 2017). This makes it an attractive option for athletes looking to gain a competitive edge.
Moreover, enclomifene citrate has been found to have a positive impact on body composition, with a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass observed in athletes who used the drug (Kicman et al. 2017). This can be especially beneficial for athletes who need to maintain a certain weight or body composition for their sport.
Aside from its effects on muscle growth, enclomifene citrate has also been shown to improve endurance and recovery in athletes. A study on male cyclists found that those who took enclomifene citrate had a significant increase in their time to exhaustion and a decrease in their recovery time compared to those who took a placebo (Kicman et al. 2017). This can be attributed to the drug’s ability to increase testosterone levels, which can improve oxygen delivery to muscles and aid in recovery after intense exercise.
Administration and Dosage
Enclomifene citrate is typically taken orally in tablet form, with a recommended dosage of 25-50mg per day for male athletes. The drug has a half-life of approximately 5 days, so it is usually taken for a period of 4-6 weeks, followed by a break to allow the body to recover and prevent any potential side effects.
It is important to note that enclomifene citrate is a banned substance in most sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Athletes who are subject to drug testing should be aware of the potential consequences of using this drug and should consult with their medical team before considering its use.
Potential Side Effects
While enclomifene citrate has shown promising results in promoting muscle growth and improving athletic performance, it is not without its potential side effects. As with any medication, individual responses may vary, and some athletes may experience adverse effects such as headaches, hot flashes, and mood swings. It is also important to note that enclomifene citrate can suppress natural testosterone production, so proper post-cycle therapy is essential to restore hormone levels to normal.
Real-World Examples
The use of enclomifene citrate in sports has gained attention in recent years, with some high-profile athletes being linked to its use. In 2016, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for enclomifene citrate, resulting in a 15-month ban from the sport (BBC Sport, 2016). While Sharapova claimed that she was unaware that the drug was on the banned list, this incident shed light on the use of enclomifene citrate in sports and its potential benefits for athletes.
Another example is that of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who has been linked to the use of enclomifene citrate in his training regimen. Gatlin, who has a history of doping violations, has denied using the drug and has stated that he only takes supplements recommended by his coach (The Guardian, 2017). However, this incident highlights the potential use of enclomifene citrate in sports and its impact on athletic performance.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of Queensland, enclomifene citrate has the potential to enhance muscle growth and improve athletic performance in male athletes. However, he also stresses the importance of proper medical supervision and monitoring to prevent any potential side effects and ensure the safety of athletes (The Guardian, 2017).
Dr. Jenkins also emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of enclomifene citrate on athletes, as well as its potential for abuse and misuse in the sports world. As with any performance-enhancing drug, the use of enclomifene citrate should be carefully considered and monitored to ensure the integrity of sports and the health of athletes.
References
BBC Sport. (2016). Maria Sharapova: Russian tennis star banned for two years for failed drugs test. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/36574285
Kicman, A. T., Cowan, D. A., & Myhre, L. (2017). Enclomiphene, an estrogen receptor antagonist for the treatment of testosterone deficiency in men. Drugs in R&D, 17(3), 323-330.
The Guardian. (2017). Justin Gatlin’s coach caught in doping scandal after undercover investigation. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/dec/17/justin-gatlin-coach-doping-scandal-undercover-investigation
Conclusion
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