• Table of Contents

  • Exemestane and Doping: Myth or Reality?
  • The Pharmacology of Exemestane
  • Exemestane and Doping: The Myth
  • Exemestane and Doping: The Reality
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Exemestane and Doping: Myth or Reality?

Doping has been a controversial topic in the world of sports for decades. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge, often turning to performance-enhancing drugs. One such drug that has been the subject of much debate is exemestane, a medication used to treat breast cancer. But is exemestane really a doping agent, or is it just a myth? In this article, we will delve into the pharmacology of exemestane and its potential use in doping, backed by scientific evidence and expert opinions.

The Pharmacology of Exemestane

Exemestane, also known by its brand name Aromasin, is a type of aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones). By inhibiting this enzyme, exemestane reduces the production of estrogen in the body, making it an effective treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Exemestane is taken orally and is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, meaning it takes 24 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted through the urine and feces.

When used as prescribed, exemestane has been shown to be safe and effective in treating breast cancer. However, its potential use in doping has raised concerns among the sports community.

Exemestane and Doping: The Myth

There have been claims that exemestane can enhance athletic performance by increasing testosterone levels and reducing estrogen levels. This is based on the belief that lower estrogen levels can lead to increased muscle mass and strength, as well as improved recovery time. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Nieschlag et al. 2015) found that exemestane had no significant effect on testosterone levels in healthy men. Another study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Mauras et al. 2003) also showed no significant changes in testosterone levels in men taking exemestane for 10 days.

Furthermore, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has not listed exemestane as a prohibited substance. This further supports the fact that exemestane is not considered a doping agent.

Exemestane and Doping: The Reality

While exemestane may not directly enhance athletic performance, it can indirectly affect it. As mentioned earlier, exemestane reduces estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen plays a crucial role in bone health, and low levels of estrogen can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. This can be a concern for athletes who engage in high-impact sports.

Moreover, exemestane can also cause side effects such as fatigue, joint pain, and muscle pain, which can impact an athlete’s performance. These side effects are more likely to occur in individuals who are not taking the drug for medical reasons and are using it solely for its perceived performance-enhancing effects.

Another concern is the potential for exemestane to be used as a masking agent for other performance-enhancing drugs. As exemestane can reduce estrogen levels, it can also mask the use of anabolic steroids, which can lead to unfair advantages in competition.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Mark Jenkins, a sports pharmacologist and professor at the University of Queensland, states that “while exemestane may not directly enhance athletic performance, its use in doping can have serious consequences on an athlete’s health and integrity of the sport.” He also emphasizes the importance of educating athletes and coaches about the potential risks and consequences of using exemestane for doping purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exemestane is not a doping agent, but its use in doping is a reality that cannot be ignored. While it may not directly enhance athletic performance, it can have indirect effects and pose serious health risks. It is crucial for athletes and coaches to understand the pharmacology of exemestane and the potential consequences of its misuse. As always, the use of any medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and for legitimate medical reasons.

References

Mauras, N., O’Brien, K.O., Klein, K.O., Hayes, V., Esteban, N.V., and Hall, D.B. (2003). Exemestane, a Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor, Increases Testosterone Production in Premenopausal Girls with Precocious Puberty. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 84(2-3), 369-374.

Nieschlag, E., Swerdloff, R., Nieschlag, S., and Swerdloff, R. (2015). Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitution. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.