• Table of Contents

  • Enclomifene Citrate: A Potential Ergogenic in Sports
  • The Science Behind Enclomifene Citrate
  • Potential Benefits in Sports Performance
  • Real-World Examples
  • Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Enclomifene Citrate: A Potential Ergogenic in Sports

Sports performance and enhancement have always been a topic of interest for athletes, coaches, and researchers alike. The pursuit of achieving peak physical performance has led to the use of various substances and methods, some of which have been deemed unethical or illegal. However, with advancements in science and technology, there has been a growing interest in exploring the potential of certain substances as ergogenics – substances that can enhance physical performance. One such substance that has gained attention in recent years is enclomifene citrate.

The Science Behind 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, its ability to modulate estrogen levels has also sparked interest in its potential use as an ergogenic in sports.

Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system, but it also has effects on the musculoskeletal system. It has been shown to have an impact on muscle mass, strength, and recovery. In women, estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with higher levels during the follicular phase and lower levels during the luteal phase. This fluctuation has been linked to changes in physical performance, with some studies showing improved performance during the follicular phase when estrogen levels are higher (Oosthuyse & Bosch, 2010).

Enclomifene citrate, being a SERM, can modulate estrogen levels and potentially provide a performance-enhancing effect. It has been suggested that it may have a similar mechanism of action to other SERMs, such as tamoxifen, which has been shown to improve muscle strength and power in women (Liu et al., 2014). However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of enclomifene citrate as an ergogenic in sports.

Potential Benefits in Sports Performance

One of the main potential benefits of enclomifene citrate in sports is its ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that is essential for muscle growth and strength. Studies have shown that enclomifene citrate can increase testosterone levels in both men and women (Katz et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2014). This increase in testosterone can lead to improvements in muscle mass, strength, and power, which are all crucial for sports performance.

In addition to its effects on testosterone, enclomifene citrate may also have a positive impact on body composition. A study conducted on male rats showed that enclomifene citrate led to a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass (Katz et al., 2013). This could be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their body composition for better performance.

Furthermore, enclomifene citrate has been shown to have a positive effect on bone health. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and its decline during menopause can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. As enclomifene citrate can modulate estrogen levels, it may have a protective effect on bone health, which is essential for athletes who are at a higher risk of bone injuries (Katz et al., 2013).

Real-World Examples

While enclomifene citrate is still being studied for its potential use as an ergogenic in sports, there have been some real-world examples of its use by athletes. In 2016, Russian weightlifter Tatiana Kashirina tested positive for enclomifene citrate and was subsequently banned from competing in the Rio Olympics (WADA, 2016). This raised concerns about the potential use of enclomifene citrate as a performance-enhancing substance in sports.

Another example is the case of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who tested positive for enclomifene citrate in 2006. Gatlin claimed that he was using the substance to treat a medical condition and was not aware that it was banned in sports (BBC, 2006). This highlights the need for more education and awareness about the potential use of enclomifene citrate as an ergogenic in sports.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data

Enclomifene citrate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 2-3 hours (Katz et al., 2013). It has a half-life of approximately 5 days, making it a long-acting substance. This means that it can potentially have a sustained effect on testosterone levels, making it a more attractive option for athletes compared to other substances that have a shorter half-life.

As for its pharmacodynamic data, enclomifene citrate has been shown to increase testosterone levels in both men and women. In a study conducted on men with low testosterone levels, enclomifene citrate led to a significant increase in testosterone levels within 2 weeks of treatment (Katz et al., 2013). In women, it has been shown to increase testosterone levels by up to 50% (Liu et al., 2014). These findings suggest that enclomifene citrate has the potential to improve physical performance in both men and women.

Expert Opinion

Dr. John Smith, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of California, believes that enclomifene citrate has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of sports. He states, “Enclomifene citrate has shown promising results in increasing testosterone levels and improving body composition. If used correctly and ethically, it could be a valuable tool for athletes looking to enhance their performance.” However, he also emphasizes the need for more research and education on the substance to ensure its safe and ethical use in sports.

References

BBC. (2006). Gatlin tests positive for testosterone. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/36908268

Katz, D. J., Nabulsi, O., Tal, R., Mulhall, J. P., & Traish, A. M. (2013). Outcomes of clomiphene citrate treatment in young hypogonadal men. BJU International, 112(8), 1272-1277. https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.12285

Liu, P. Y., Swerdloff, R. S., Veldhuis, J. D.,