California Commission Bans TRT Until WADA Standards Can Be Fully Adopted

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The California State Athletic Commission is the latest regulatory body to crack down on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster on Thursday released a statement regarding the hormone therapy, announcing that TRT will be banned in California until the CSAC can fully adopt the standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“The California State Athletic Commission fully supports the Nevada Athletic Commission’s decision to eliminate therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) for testosterone replacement therapy in boxing and mixed martial arts,” the statement read. “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.

WADA’s guidelines for granting a TUE for male hypogonadism, also known as androgen deficiency, are extensive and can be found here.

Nevada made headlines one week ago by voting to ban TRT in the state, a decision that resulted in Lyoto Machida replacing Vitor Belfort in the middleweight title main event of UFC 173. The Ultimate Fighting Championship then followed suit, announcing that it would hand out no further TRT exemptions when acting as its own regulatory body during international events. The Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) also announced a future ban of TRT, with Dan Henderson receiving the last exemption ahead of his March 23 showdown with Mauricio Rua at UFC Fight Night 39.