Low Testosterone levels and over training

I think we all know about the Lamont Peterson controversy going on at the moment. Lamont was scheduled to rematch Amir Khan on May 19, 2012. The first bout, which took place on December 10, 2011 was highly contested and controversial. In preparation for this fight both fighters agreed to take a drug test. Weeks before the scheduled bout Lamont tested positive for testosterone. Lamont stated that he was diagnosed with low testosterone and medically treated with time release testosterone.

What comes to debate is why didn't Lamont inform the athletic commission and authorities in charge of testing during the process, instead of waiting till after he tested positive?

Also,

Why didn't Lamont seek a second opinion or alternative to medication?

Was the Medical doctor up to date on the current sports medicine and exercise physiology associated with athletes and low testosterone?

Exercise when done excessively, hence over training, can cause a number of hormonal, physiological and psychological changes to an individual. This is no different for a pro athlete. Our body's are meant to produce a specific amount of hormones to aid in balancing the chemical reactions that occur through out the course of our daily lives. The important thing to not is training is only a fraction of the whole when training. Training hard is nothing without the proper nutrition, and rest. Even more so, training needs to be done in a specific rotation to minimize the stress on joints and muscles in order to ensure an athlete maximal performance during an event.

While I am not close enough to the story to know the all the details I will say, I believe Peterson had nothing but his own health at interest when taking the testosterone. I will also say that a banned substance is a banned, whether it be for performance enhancement , increased healing or medically prescribed for a hormonal deficiency.

It is up to the athlete and his people to seek out knowledgeable medical personnel with a sound background in Sports medicine and physiology. It is also important that the athlete bring to the medical persons attention any banned substances or treatments that will cause him to fail not only a drug test but also a sport related physical.


Below I have added links to articles speaking of how over training in various sports can cause a low testosterone level on a blood test.
http://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/overtrainwithresistance.pdf
http://www.exrx.net/ExInfo/Overtraining.html
http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/overtraining.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/552447-excessive-body-building-low-testosterone-levels/

Natural ways to increase testosterone through nutrition.
http://www.libido-increasing-food.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Guide-To-High-Testosterone-Foods&id=159720
http://ifitandhealthy.com/how-to-increase-testosterone-levels/

Remember, keep your team and physicians in the loop when making changes to your routine. If your going to take supplements, make sure they are from a reputable company ( whats on the label may not always be whats in the product). It is up to you the athlete to be well informed. Ask the proper medical and nutritional experts any questions you may have.

Please stay informed and be on top of your game both physically and mentally in order to reach your goals.


Yours In Health

Dr. Pietro Baio
Performance Edge Chiropractic