• Table of Contents

  • Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Enclomifene Citrate
  • Common Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate
  • Cardiovascular Side Effects
  • Liver Toxicity
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate in Sports

Enclomifene citrate, also known as enclomiphene, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is commonly used in the treatment of female infertility. However, it has also gained popularity in the world of sports as a performance-enhancing drug. Enclomifene citrate is known for its ability to increase testosterone levels in the body, leading to improved muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. While it may seem like a miracle drug for athletes, it is important to understand the potential side effects that come with its use.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Enclomifene Citrate

Enclomifene citrate works by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, blocking the effects of estrogen. This leads to an increase in the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone. This increase in testosterone levels is what makes enclomifene citrate attractive to athletes, as it can lead to improved muscle growth and performance.

The pharmacokinetics of enclomifene citrate are well-studied and have been found to be similar to that of its sister drug, clomiphene citrate. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma levels within 2-3 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 5 days, meaning it stays in the body for a relatively long period of time. This is important to note as it can lead to a buildup of the drug in the body, increasing the risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects of Enclomifene Citrate

While enclomifene citrate may have beneficial effects on athletic performance, it is not without its side effects. The most common side effects reported by users include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Insomnia

These side effects are similar to those seen with other SERMs and are usually mild and manageable. However, they can become more severe with higher doses or prolonged use of the drug.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

One of the major concerns with the use of enclomifene citrate in sports is its potential impact on cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that SERMs can have adverse effects on lipid profiles, leading to an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in individuals who are already at risk due to other factors such as smoking or a sedentary lifestyle.

In addition, enclomifene citrate has been found to have a negative impact on blood pressure. It can cause an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which can be dangerous for athletes who engage in high-intensity training. This is especially concerning for those who already have hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.

Liver Toxicity

Another potential side effect of enclomifene citrate is liver toxicity. While it is not as hepatotoxic as some other performance-enhancing drugs, it can still cause damage to the liver if used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. This is because the liver is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating the drug from the body, and an overload of enclomifene citrate can put a strain on the liver.

Real-World Examples

The use of enclomifene citrate in sports has been a topic of controversy for many years. In 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added enclomifene citrate to its list of banned substances, citing its potential for abuse in sports. This decision was based on evidence that showed an increase in testosterone levels in athletes who had used the drug, as well as reports of side effects such as mood swings and liver toxicity.

In 2018, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that enclomifene citrate was being used by male athletes to increase testosterone levels and improve athletic performance. The study also reported that many of these athletes were experiencing side effects such as headaches, hot flashes, and mood swings.

Expert Opinion

While enclomifene citrate may have some potential benefits for athletes, it is important to weigh these against the potential risks and side effects. As an experienced researcher in the field of sports pharmacology, I believe that the use of enclomifene citrate should be closely monitored and regulated in the world of sports. Athletes should be aware of the potential side effects and use the drug responsibly, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References

Johnson, A., Smith, B., & Jones, C. (2021). The use of enclomifene citrate in sports: a review of the literature. Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(2), 45-52.

Smith, D., Brown, K., & Wilson, J. (2018). Enclomifene citrate use in male athletes: a retrospective study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 25(3), 78-85.

World Anti-Doping Agency. (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