The California State Athletic Commission has temporarily banned use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy as it modifies its standards on the issue.
The commission is moving toward raising its standards for TRT exemptions to be in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency. Commission executive director Andy Foster said those standards allow TRT only in "the most extreme circumstances."
The announcement comes one week after the Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted to issue a complete ban of TRT in combat sports.
"The California State Athletic Commission fully supports the Nevada Athletic Commission's decision to eliminate therapeutic use exemptions for [TRT] in boxing and mixed martial arts," Foster said. "California is a strong supporter of anti-doping efforts. As part of California's anti-doping efforts, the commission recently began the rule-making process to require meeting [WADA] standards.
"This standard is so high that it is an effective ban except under the most extreme circumstances. Until the rule-making process is complete and the regulations are fully adopted, the commission has a total ban on TRT."
Immediately following Nevada's ruling last week, the UFC announced it would follow suit and put an end to all TRT exemptions. The Brazillian MMA Athletic Commission has also adopted a ban on the treatment.