Dan Henderson talks using TRT since 2007
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become a hot topic in mixed martial arts during the last 12 months. Often overlooked…
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become a hot topic in mixed martial arts during the last 12 months. Often overlooked in the discussion is Dan Henderson, who’s been using the treatment for more than four years. Henderson was the first athlete to ever receive a therapeutic exemption for TRT in Nevada, prior to a fight against Wanderlei Silva in 2007.
My levels were so low they were off the charts, Henderson told ESPN.com. I was always tired and getting sick a lot.
I couldn’t even tell you [how to abuse it]. I’ve never gone above normal ranges. All I know is that I’m not as tired and I don’t get as sick as I used to.
I always (monitor my testosterone levels when not in competition) on my own just to cover my own ass.”
The only time people get monitored now is at the fights. I think it might be good to have stricter monitoring where people are getting tested throughout the year.
Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada commission, is a strong proponent of allowing TRT when necessary.
You don’t want to stop an athlete from doing it if he’s got a legitimate chemical deficiency, Kizer said. In situations where they need it to live a healthy, long life, maybe have kids, whatever, you don’t want to take that away.
But, it is fair that the burden falls on them to prove they need it and that they are following it.
