The Clostebol that Jannik Sinner tested positive for last April and was later cleared of “unknowingly taking it” is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from the male hormone testosterone.. However, it is also a substance commonly used in ophthalmology and especially in dermatology, for the rapid treatment of wounds, and it is therefore possible for an athlete to come into contact with it unintentionally.
What was detected in Sinner is a metabolite of Clostebol, a substance that was produced while Clostebol was progressively degraded during metabolism. For this substance, as for many others used in doping, metabolites are the indicator of the fact that it has been used and are detected even when there is no longer any trace of the original substance in the body. Also called Clototestosterone, Clostebol is able to increase physical performance and has been at the center of numerous doping cases for at least 30 years.
In particular, by stimulating protein synthesis, the substance promotes an increase in muscle mass and strength and can help reduce the time needed for muscles to fully recover after an intense training session.
It also allows you to oxygenate your muscles because it promotes the production of red blood cells and in this way helps you to face prolonged efforts.
This substance is banned in sports competitions not only for its doping effects, but also for the side effects it can have and which can cause damage to hormonal balance, the cardiovascular system and liver function.
