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Tamoxifen and Sports: A Safe Combination?
Sports and performance-enhancing drugs have always been a controversial topic. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge, often turning to banned substances. However, there is one drug that has been gaining attention in the sports world for its potential benefits without the risk of being banned – tamoxifen.
The Role of Tamoxifen in Sports
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is primarily used in the treatment of breast cancer. It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in the body, which is beneficial in breast cancer treatment as many breast cancers are estrogen-sensitive. However, tamoxifen also has other effects on the body that have caught the interest of athletes and sports professionals.
One of the main reasons tamoxifen is being explored in the sports world is its ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in muscle growth and strength, making it a highly sought-after substance for athletes. Studies have shown that tamoxifen can increase testosterone levels by up to 142% in men and 75% in women (Vescovi et al. 2019). This increase in testosterone can lead to improved muscle mass, strength, and overall athletic performance. 
In addition to its effects on testosterone, tamoxifen has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or stress, but chronic inflammation can hinder athletic performance and lead to injuries. By reducing inflammation, tamoxifen can help athletes recover faster and prevent injuries, making it a valuable tool in sports medicine (Kraemer et al. 2018).
Tamoxifen and Doping Regulations
One of the biggest concerns in the sports world is the use of banned substances, also known as doping. Doping is not only unethical but also poses serious health risks to athletes. However, tamoxifen is not on the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This means that athletes can use tamoxifen without fear of being disqualified from competitions or facing other consequences.
Furthermore, tamoxifen has a short half-life of 5-7 days, meaning it can be quickly cleared from the body. This makes it difficult to detect in drug tests, making it a safer option for athletes compared to other performance-enhancing drugs that have longer detection times (Kraemer et al. 2018).
Real-World Examples
There have been several cases of athletes using tamoxifen in the sports world. One notable example is that of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who tested positive for testosterone in 2006. Gatlin claimed that the positive test was due to medication he was taking for his ADHD, which included tamoxifen. He was able to provide evidence of a prescription for tamoxifen, and the case was eventually dropped (Associated Press 2006).
In another case, Australian swimmer Shayna Jack tested positive for the banned substance Ligandrol in 2019. However, after further investigation, it was found that the positive test was due to a contaminated supplement that contained tamoxifen. Jack was cleared of any wrongdoing and was able to return to competition (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority 2019).
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Tamoxifen
Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tamoxifen is crucial in determining its effects on athletic performance. Tamoxifen is well-absorbed orally and reaches peak plasma levels within 4-7 hours (Vescovi et al. 2019). It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through feces, with a small amount being excreted in urine.
As a SERM, tamoxifen binds to estrogen receptors in the body, blocking the effects of estrogen. This leads to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the production of testosterone in the testes (Vescovi et al. 2019). This increase in testosterone is what makes tamoxifen attractive to athletes.
Expert Opinion
Experts in the field of sports pharmacology have weighed in on the use of tamoxifen in sports. Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports scientist and professor at the University of British Columbia, believes that tamoxifen has the potential to improve athletic performance without the risks associated with other banned substances. He also notes that tamoxifen’s anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial in injury prevention and recovery (Kraemer et al. 2018).
Dr. Jenkins also emphasizes the importance of proper dosage and monitoring when using tamoxifen in sports. As with any medication, tamoxifen should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.
Conclusion
Tamoxifen has shown promising potential in the sports world, with its ability to increase testosterone levels and reduce inflammation. Its legal status and short detection time make it a safer option for athletes compared to other performance-enhancing drugs. However, it is important to note that tamoxifen should only be used under medical supervision and in accordance with anti-doping regulations. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of tamoxifen on athletic performance, but it is clear that it has the potential to be a valuable tool in sports medicine.
References
Associated Press. (2006). Gatlin’s positive test blamed on medication. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=2550743
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. (2019). Shayna Jack case. Retrieved from https://www.asada.gov.au/news/shayna-jack-case
Kraemer, W. J., Vescovi, J. D., Volek, J. S., Nindl, B. C., Fragala, M. S., & Häkkinen, K. (2018). The effects of tamoxifen on hormonal and inflammatory responses to resistance exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(2), 539-546.
Vescovi, J. D., Fragala, M. S., Kraemer, W. J., Denegar, C. R., Maresh, C. M., & Volek, J. S. (2019). The effects of tamoxifen on testosterone, estrogen, and body composition in men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(1), 232-238.
