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Over the last two decades, sports regulations of performance-enhancing substances have become so narrow that there is little room for athletes of any kind to pursue treatments—even those treatments that could benefit their health. In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), however, exemptions for testosterone therapy are being granted at a high rate. Many of these fighters are being diagnosed with lab values that suggest testosterone levels are exceedingly low and they stand on the brink of a hypogonadism diagnosis. It’s not a mystery to experts as to why such a large number of MMA fighters are receiving this diagnosis, considering it is a side effect of using anabolic steroids.

HRT in Sports

The number of exemptions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in MMA applies to only a small fraction of fighters, but it is still a significantly higher number than in any other sport. At the Olympics, not a single male athlete—out of 5,892, to be exact—was issued an exemption for testosterone use. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has only issued one exemption in the past year among the thousands of athletes who fall under its jurisdiction. In just under six years, the Major League Baseball association has only awarded six exemptions among more than 1,200 players.

The lack of exemptions goes on and on. Traditionally, testosterone therapy and professional athletes do not go hand-in-hand, but in boxing and MMA, there is no central governing body—a “watchdog” simply does not exist. For these athletes, hormone replacement therapy is a win-win opportunity. The men of the sport have the opportunity to protect their health, while simultaneously reaping benefits to their performance.

Opinions among sports professionals and experts run high when it comes to the seemingly loose regulations found in boxing and MMA. It begs many questions, such as:

  • With the concerns that abuse is so high in professional sports, does this exemption level the playing field or make it unequal?
  • Once athletes are granted the exemption, how are they monitored?
  • How does this make you feel about the sport knowing that some athletes have been given exemptions?

Testosterone therapy, and hormone replacement in general, should not be administered by just any doctor. Whether you are a recreational athlete, an MMA fighter, or an average person seeking to enhance your health and well-being, you should pursue treatment with an expert in hormones and hormone replacement therapy. Effective treatment plans include advanced diagnostic testing and careful analysis of your symptoms. Improper treatment or diagnosis can have serious effects.

In Delray Beach, Florida, near Boca Raton, the biostation™ is led by Martin Bloom, M.D., an experienced medical doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy and his expertise is supported by a staff with vast experience in athletics, nutrition, and supplements.

Call the biostation™ today at 888-754-1852 or contact us online to schedule your private, personal consultation.

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