Steroids and MMA

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Chael Sonnen recently appeared before the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to appeal a suspension after testing positive for anabolic steroids (testosterone) at UFC 117. Sonnen’s suspension was reduced to six months from one year. The CSAC seemingly accepted Sonnen’s defense of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The Chael Sonnen appeal, broadcast live on the internet, exposed a commission entirely unprepared to deal with the controversial issue of testosterone replacement therapy. [Read more...]

Ask Bill Roberts: MMA fighter Chael Sonnen failed two anti-doping tests which revealed that he used exogenous testosterone. At his recent hearing, his defense was that he was on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). My question is, how would TRT effect the T/E ratio? Does exogenous testosterone also shutdown epitestosterone production creating a scenario where someone can have a high ratio due to exogenous test, and suppressed epitestosterone production, while sill having “normal” testosterone levels? [Read more...]