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MLB Suspends Manny Ramirez 50 Games for HCG

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez tested positive for testosterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) according to ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn. Ramirez’ testosterone:epitestosterone ratio exceeded the 4:1 permitted by Major League Baseball (MLB). An elevated T:E ratio is indicative of exogenous testosterone use but not conclusive proof of illegal steroid use. Ramirez received an HCG positive when urinary levels exceeded the established threshold for doping.

MLB decided to suspend Ramirez for 50 games ONLY for the positive HCG test. The MLB acknowledged that Ramirez may have been able to prove that the testosterone positive was not caused by the ingestion of a banned or prohibited substance. Manny Ramirez, while admitting the use of HCG, was prepared to fight any allegation that he used banned anabolic steroids. HCG is NOT and anabolic steroid.

Manny Ramirez purportedly was prescribed HCG as a treatment for sexual dysfunction. In a statement, Ramirez claims that the HCG was given to him by a doctor for a “personal health issue.”

Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons. I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation.

Ramirez’ explanation for the positive doping result was met with skepticism. “Testosterone and similar drugs are effective for erectile dysfunction in that they jazz up your sex drive,” according to Dr. Charles Yesalis, a doping expert at Penn State. “But far more clinicians accept that affect with Viagra and Cialis. It’s hard for me to understand if it was erectile dysfunction why they would use it.”

The fact that HCG is commonly used by anabolic steroid users both during and after a steroid cycle did not help the credibility of Ramirez’ explanation. Disgraced former MLB baseball player and whistleblower Jose Canseco was recently caught attempted to smuggle HCG across the border from Mexico last fall. Steroid users use HCG to self-treat anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism that occurs after steroid cessation. The use of anabolic steroids suppresses an individual’s natural production of testosterone.

HCG is utilized by steroid-using athletes in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it has been used after a steroid cycle to help restore testicular size and function as part of an overall post cycle therapy protocol (PCT). But given that HCG continues to suppress the pituitary messenger that signals the body to make its own testosterone, HCG is not effective as a standalone PCT protocol. It is usually accompanied by a regimen of drugs such as Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and/or Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) in order to restore peptide hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that naturally signal the body to produce testosterone.

HCG can also be used during a steroid cycle to prevent testicular atrophy. HCG use in this manner is based on the idea that preventing testicular atrophy during a steroid cycle will make it easier to restore natural testosterone production after the cessation of anabolic steroids. In both cases, HCG is used for harm reduction and health restoration purposes by steroid-using athlete.

Manny Ramirez is a huge fan favorite in Los Angeles. There is even a section in Dodger Stadium called "Mannywood". So, the loss of Ramirez to a 50 game suspension is a huge blow to fans. However, judging by early indicators, the Dodger fans seem to be very forgiving. "We're coming regardless," said one fan proudly wearing his Mannywood t-shirt. "We still love him. Everybody makes mistakes. He's not the first and he won't be the last."

Sources

“Manny Ramirez's 'I'm back' is now 'I'm gone',” May 8, 2009

“HCG helps steroid users restore testosterone,” May 8, 2009

“Sources: Ramirez used fertility drug,” May 7, 2009

“Source: Manny Ramirez Suspension Linked to Sexual Enhancer,” May 7, 2009

“Anabolic Steroid Induced Hypogonadism (ASIH),” by Michael Scally, MD

“Inhibition and Recovery of Natural Testosterone Production,” by Bill Roberts

By Millard Baker

http://www.millardbaker.com

www.SteroidsRx.com