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Substances: Testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Epitestosterone is a chemically similar natural steroid that is produced independently of testosterone.

The normal testosterone (T) to epitestosterone (E) ratio in urine varies from individual to individual and on average is one to one.

This ratio does not vary significantly within an individual unless a testosterone or related preparation is taken or some pathological condition exists. In such cases, the testosterone level can increase. The epitestosterone level will remain unaffected because it is made through a different bio-synthetic pathway.

Naturally occurring T/E ratios above six to one are rare.

Effects

The use of testosterone may produce the following effects: increases in muscle bulk, mood change (aggression), hair loss, deepened voice, acne and infertility.

The effects of testosterone use are greater in females.

Status in Sport

Testosterone is an anabolic agent and therefore prohibited both in and out of competition under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07).

This list specifies that the presence of a testosterone (T) to epitestosterone (E) ratio of greater than four (4) to one (1) in the urine of a competitor constitutes an offence unless there is evidence that this ratio is due to a physiological or pathological condition.

In the case of a T/E result of greater than 4:1 and no other reliable analytical method applied it is mandatory that the relevant medical authority conducts an investigation before the sample is declared positive.

A full report will be written and can include a review of previous tests, subsequent tests and any results of endocrine investigations. In the event that previous test results are not available, the athlete should be tested unannounced at least once per month for three months.

The results of these investigations will be incorporated into the report. Failure to cooperate in the investigations will result in the sample being declared positive.

If another reliable analytical method is used to analyse the T/E ratio greater than four (4) to one (1) and this shows that the substance is of exogenous origin, no further investigation is necessary and the sample will deemed to contain such prohibited substance.

 

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