California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) issues 'total ban' on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

The numbers continue to dwindle.

Not long after both Nevada and Brazil outlawed the use testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in combat sports (details), another prominent regulatory body has dropped the hammer on the issuance of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) for the controversial treatment.

The California State Athletic Commission (CASC) today has instituted a "total ban" on TRT.

Here's why.

"The California State Athletic Commission fully supports the Nevada State Athletic Commission's decision to eliminate Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in boxing and mixed martial arts. California is a strong supporter of anti-doping efforts. As part of California's anti-doping efforts, the Commission recently began the rulemaking process to require meeting World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards as the only way to obtain a TUE for TRT. This standard is so high that it is an effective ban except under the most extreme circumstances. Until the rulemaking process is complete and the regulations are fully adopted, the Commission has a total ban on TRT. California remains committed to protecting the health and safety of athletes and having strict anti-doping standards is one of the ways this is accomplished."

But a small window still remains.

Depending on how the "rulemaking process" shakes out, fighters could conceivably receive a TUE for TRT; however, the WADA standards are considerably high and the burden of proof -- like lactating breasts in certain Brazilian heavyweights -- would fall on the fighters.

Until that day comes -- if and when it does -- the answer is no.

Sorry, Chael.