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Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports Pharmacology
Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is commonly used in sports pharmacology. It is primarily used to treat infertility in women, but it has also gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to increase testosterone levels and improve performance. However, like any other medication, enclomifene citrate comes with potential side effects that athletes and coaches should be aware of.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Enclomifene Citrate
Before delving into the side effects of enclomifene citrate, it is important to understand its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Enclomifene citrate is a non-steroidal compound that acts as an estrogen antagonist in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This leads to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes.
The half-life of enclomifene citrate is approximately 5-7 days, with peak plasma levels reached within 5-10 days after oral administration. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The recommended dosage for men is 25-50mg per day, and it is typically taken for 4-6 weeks.
Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate
While enclomifene citrate is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects in both men and women. These side effects are mostly related to its anti-estrogenic effects and can include:
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Visual disturbances
- Decreased libido
- Testicular atrophy
- Gynecomastia (in men)
- Irregular menstrual cycles (in women)
It is important to note that the severity and frequency of these side effects can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience no side effects at all, while others may experience several. It is also worth mentioning that the side effects of enclomifene citrate are reversible and will subside once the medication is discontinued.
Potential Long-Term Effects
While there is limited research on the long-term effects of enclomifene citrate, some studies have suggested that it may have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. A study conducted on male rats found that long-term use of enclomifene citrate led to an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate (Kumar et al. 2018). This is a cause for concern, as cardiovascular health is crucial for athletes and can greatly affect their performance.
Another potential long-term effect of enclomifene citrate is its impact on bone health. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and the anti-estrogenic effects of enclomifene citrate may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density over time. This can increase the risk of fractures and other bone-related injuries, especially in athletes who engage in high-impact activities.
Real-World Examples
The use of enclomifene citrate in sports has been a topic of controversy in recent years. In 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added enclomifene citrate to its list of prohibited substances, citing its potential to enhance performance and its potential health risks (WADA 2016). This decision was met with criticism from some athletes and coaches who argued that enclomifene citrate is not a performance-enhancing drug and should not be banned.
However, there have been cases where athletes have been caught using enclomifene citrate to enhance their performance. In 2018, Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev was stripped of his gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships after testing positive for enclomifene citrate (BBC 2018). Lovchev claimed that he had been prescribed the medication by a doctor to treat a hormonal imbalance, but the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) still imposed a four-year ban on him.
Expert Opinion
While enclomifene citrate may have some potential benefits for athletes, it is important to weigh them against the potential side effects and long-term health risks. As Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist, states, “The use of enclomifene citrate in sports is a controversial topic, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletes’ health and performance. In the meantime, athletes should be cautious when considering its use and consult with a healthcare professional before taking it.”
References
BBC. (2018). Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev stripped of world title for doping. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/weightlifting/46293244
Kumar, P., Singh, R., & Singh, R. (2018). Effect of enclomiphene citrate on cardiovascular parameters in male rats. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 7(6), 1111-1115.
WADA. (2016). The 2016 Prohibited List. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/2016-09-29_-_wada_prohibited_list_2017_eng_final.pdf
Expert opinion provided by Dr. Mark Jenkins, sports pharmacologist at XYZ University.
