Clomifene (Clomid): What Is It? WADA Banned Substance - Golden Tate, Jon Jones, Conor Benn

There was recent controversy when the Conor Benn v Chris Eubank Jr boxing match was postponed due to an adverse finding in Conor Benn's sample. The substance discovered was clomifene (clomid), a drug used to treat infertility in both males and females.

I'd like to point out at this stage we are still awaiting the B sample test results, therefore, it's too early to portion guilt or blame to anyone at this point.

Other athletes such as NFL wide receiver Golden Tate, and MMA fighter Jon Jones have also had this substance flagged up in their test samples. Both claiming it was to treat issues regarding infertility rather than to try and enhance their sports performance.

But why does the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) consider an infertility drug a banned substance in competitive sports?

Clomifene (Clomiphene) or Clomid is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM).

The hypothalamus releases gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GNRH) that causes the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH). This triggers the Leydig cells of the testicles to produce testosterone. Some of this testosterone becomes estrogen, and the estrogen fits into receptors in the hypothalamus. Once the level of estrogen is high enough the hypothalamus stops producing GNRH until the level of estrogen drops below the threshold...... then the process starts all over again. It's a never ending feedback loop.

Clomifene blocks the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, therefore, ensuring the testicles continue to produce testosterone even when the level is above 'normal' for that individual. This is why it's on the banned substances WADA list.