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NANBF Drug Testing Guidelines

NANBF/IPE drug testing methods and policies

Drug testing screening methods used at the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (NANBF) and International Pro Elite (IPE) events are a means to determine eligibility. If competitors cannot successfully pass any screening method used, they will either not be allowed to compete if determined prior to the event (Polygraph test) or will be disqualified and be removed from official results if determined after an event (Urine test). Competitors cannot have used any substances on the NANBF/IPE banned list during the specified duration periods specified on the list.

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All participants at each NANBF/IPE must submit to polygraph screening for use of banned substances (polygraph test results from NANBF amateur shows can be honored for NANBF amateur shows held within 45 days of each other). NANBF/IPE events that are designated as Pro qualifiers conduct urinalysis on all those winning a Pro-qualifying placement. 
 
Competitors are responsible for ensuring they are tested at events. Polygraph examiners supply the NANBF/IPE offices with lists of contestants tested after each show. Urinalysis results go directly to the NANBF/IPE home offices.

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If it’s discovered any participants who should have been polygraph tested were not, they will be disqualified and removed from the official results. If any pro qualifying winners do not provide a urine sample at Pro qualifiers, eligibility to compete in the IPE Pro shows will be void.

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Forms of drug testing in addition to the required may be requested of select competitors at an event at the promoter’s discretion and expense. This could include urinalysis, voice stress, blood, saliva, hair testing or other means of detection. Competitors are ultimately responsible for the substances they take. If urine test results come back positive for any banned substance, competitors are disqualified regardless of what may have been responsible for the positive result and are banned from competing in the NANBF/IPE for the disallowed duration for detected substances.

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NANBF Banned Substances Policies : As of 1-1-21

A. Pre Contest Drug Free Status: 

  • NANBF - 7 years. 

(With the exception to procedures to below Section C Under 30 days use policy).

 

B. Ban Penalties:

Polygraph Failure: 

  • 5 year ban. 

 

U/A Failure :

  • If discovered post contest thru urinalysis, this is a Lifetime ban. U/A failure consists of a banned substance being detected in the sample given. This is determined by a T/E ratio over 6:1. We will offer additional testing using Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectometry (IRMS). This will be at the competitor’s expense.

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C. Exception for unknowingly taking banned substances, only used a banned substance for 30 days or less or not knowing the IPE/NANBF banned substances policies. 

 

  • Banned Substance can only have been used for less than 30 days.

 

  • A polygraph to determine this to be true is required. This is at the prospective competitors expense. It is their responsibility to schedule this with a IPE/NANBF certified Polygrapher. Upon request we will provide the contact information. 

 

  • After the competitor successfully passes this polygraph, they will be able to compete once a 6-month waiting period elapses from the determined time the competitor took the banned substance.  This will gain amnesty for said individual to then compete with the IPE/NANBF. 

Banned substances

Products that contain ingredients that have chemical names similar to anything on the banned substance list could potentially cause a positive urine test result. Check with the NANBF/IPE drug testing officials if uncertain as to whether a particular product is disallowed or not.

GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1S RECEPTOR AGONISTS (GLP-1S)

  • As of April 1, 2023, competitors can't use this substance up to six months prior to a competition. 

  • Note: if someone takes their last dose on March 31st of 2023, they could still compete within 6 months, but from April 1st on, there has to be a 6 month minimum time lapse before they can compete.  

  • Any prescription medications that manipulate insulin that are being used solely for weight loss purposes are banned (e.g.; Wegovy, Ozempic, Metformin, Rybelsus, etc.)

  • Anyone who is legitimately prescribed these medications should complete a therapeutic use exemption form prior to competing.

Anabolic agents, metabolites, and releasing substances

(Ineligible for 7 years from the date of last use)

  • 1-Testosterone (1-dihydrotestosterone), (1-Androstendiol) found in supplements such as 1-AD and 1-Androstendione

  • 4-Hydroxytestosterone (Formestane)

  • 6a-Methylandrostendione (17-hydroxy-6-alpha methyl-ethyletiochalon-3,20dione), found in supplements such as M1P

  • Androstendione (Androstendiol), found in supplements such as 4 – AD

  • Bolasterone

  • Boldenone (Equipoise, EQ)

  • Calusterone

  • Clenbutorol (Clen)

  • Clostebol

  • Danazol

  • Desoxymethyltestosterone (DMT), (17a-methyl-etioallocholan-2-ene-17bol),(17-methyl-delta-2-etioallocholane isomers), found in supplements such as Pheraplex, P-Plex, Phera Vol, Ergomax, Methyl-Plex, D-Stianozol, MASS Extreme and Nasty Mass InSLINsified

  • DHCMT (Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone)

  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

  • DNP (2,4 Dinitrophenol)

  • Drostanolone

  • Estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione / 19-norandrosta-4,9-diene-3,17-dione (found in supplements such as FiniGenX Magnum, Tren Extreme, Trenaplex and Testraflex)

  • Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin, Halo)

  • Formebolone

  • Furazabol

  • Mestanolone

  • Mesterolone

  • Methandrostenolone (Methandienone, Dianabol, Dbol)

  • Methandriol

  • Methasterone (Methyldrostanolone), (Methasteron), (2a,17a di methyl etiocholan3-one, 17b-ol), (2a,17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one), (2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-etiocholan-3-one), found in supplements such as Superdrol, S-Drol, Methyl Masterdrol, M-Drol, OmneVol, and Methyl-Drol XT

  • Methenolone (Primobolan, Primo)

  • Methyl-1-testosterone, found in supplements such as M1T

  • Methylnortestosterone

  • Methyltestosterone

  • Mibolerone

  • Nandrolone-Decanoate  (Deca-Durabolin, Deca)

  • Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate (NPP)

  • Norclostebol

  • Norethandrolone (Ethylestrenol)

  • Oxabolone

  • Oxandrolone (Anavar, Var)  

  • Oxymesterone

  • Oxymetholone (Anadrol, Drol)

  • Peptides: AICAR, CJC-1295/CJC-1293, Follistatin/ACE-031, Fragment 176-191,

  • GHRP’S/Ipamorelin/Hexarelin, GnRH (Triptorelin), IGF-1 LR3/IGF DES 1,3, Mechano Growth Factors, THYMOSIN BETA 4 (TB500)

  • Prostanozol ([3,2-c]pyrazole-5alpha-etioallocholane-17beta-tetrahydropyranol), found in supplements such as Orastan-E, WIN-E, and Winztrol

  • Stanozolol (Winstrol, Winny)

  • Stenbolone

  • Testolactone

  • Testosterone (Note: For urinalysis, a testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 6:1 or greater is considered a positive detection of exogenous testosterone (or testosterone precursor) use.

  • Trenbolone (Tren) Cannot be used after December 31, 2008 (or ineligible for 7 years from date of last use)

  • Liothyronine sodium (L-triiodothyronine), (T3), found in brand names such as Cytomel

  • 1,4,6-Androstatrien-3,17-dione (ATD), found in supplements such as Rebound XT, Novedex XT, Reversitol, Arimatest, DecaVol, Formadrol Extreme XL, Methyl 1-D, Methyl 1-D XL and Inhibit-E)

  • 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (1,4 AD), (Boldione), found in supplements such as Bold and MMA-3 Xtreme

  • M-1,4ADD (17a-methyl-1,4-Androstadiene-3,17diol), found in supplements such as Methyl-Stak

  • 2,3a-Epithio-17a-methyletioallo cholan-17b-ol (2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyletioallocholanol), (2a, 3a-Epithio-17a-Methyl-5a-Androstan-17b-Ol), found in supplements such as E-Stane, EPI, Epistane, Epidrol, Epivol, Methly E, Epi-Max, Hemaguno HMG Xtreme, Havoc, Alpha Shred, eCuts, SOS 500

  • 4-chloro-17a-methyl-andro-4-ene-3,17b-diol (4-chloro-17a-methyl-androst-1,4-diene-3-17b-diol), (17a-methyl-4-chloro-androsta-1,4-diene-3b,17b-diol), (4-chloro -17a-methyl-4-ene-3,17 diol), (4-Chloro-17a-Methyl-Androsta-1,4-diene-3, 17-diol) found in supplements such as ProMagnon 25, H-Drol, Super Halo, VNS-9 Xtreme, Halotest 25 and Halodrol-50 Cannot be used after December 31, 2009 (or ineligible for 7 years from date of last use)

  • 12-ethyl-3-methoxy-gona-diene (6-17 dihydroxyetiocholone-3-ol propionate), found in supplements such as Propadrol

  • 13-ethyl-3-methoxy-gona-2,5(10)-diene-17-one, found in supplements such as Max LMG, Revolt, Nasty Mass and InSLINsified

  • 17b-Methoxy-Trienbolone, found in supplements such as Methoxy-TRN and Trenadrol

  • 4-chloro-17a-methyl-etioallochol-4-ene-17b-ol-3, 11-dione, found in supplements such as Oxanabolan and Oxyguno

  • 5a-androstana[2,3-c] furazan-17b-tetrahydropyranol (found in supplements such as Furaguno and Ortasan-A)

  • Androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione (4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione), (4-etioallocholen-3,6,17-trione), (4 –AT), found in supplements such as 6-OXO.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy / Testosterone Replacement Therapy e.g. supplementing with prescribed testosterone in any form to raise testosterone levels due to natural decreases that occur with aging (even if to just elevate levels to within ‘normal’ ranges), is NOT considered a medicinal exception. Persons using HRT or TRT are not eligible for NANBF/IPE competition.

* HRT/ TRT without testosterone in the compound is not banned.

Designer anabolic steroids

(Cannot be used after December 31, 2014 or ineligible for 7 years from the date of last use)

Including, but not limited to:

  • 17α-methyl-androst-2-ene-3,17β-diol

  • 17α-methyl-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17β-diol

  • 17α-Methyl-androstan-3-hydroxyimine-17β-ol17α-Methyl-5α-androstan-17-ol

  • 17β-Hydroxy-androstano[2,3-d]isoxazole

  • 17β-Hydroxy-androstano[3,2-c]isoxazole

  • 18a-Homo-3-hydroxy-estra-2,5(10)-dien-17-one

  • 2α,17α-dimethyl-17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one

  • 2α,17α-dimethyl-17β-hydroxy-5β-androstan-3-one

  • 2α,3α-epithio-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol

  • [3,2-c]-furazan-5α-androstan-17β-ol

  • [3,2-c]pyrazole-androst-4-en-17β-ol

  • [3,2-c]pyrazole-5α-androstan-17β-ol

  • 3β-hydroxy-estra-4,9,11-trien-17-one

  • 5α-Androstan-3,6,17-trione

  • 6-bromo-androstan-3,17-dione

  • 6-bromo-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione

  • 4-chloro-17α-methyl-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17β-diol

  • 4-chloro-17α-methyl-androst-4-ene-3β,17β-diol

  • 4-chloro-17α-methyl-17β-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one

  • 4-chloro-17α-methyl-17β-hydroxy-androst-4-ene-3,11-dione

  • 4-chloro-17α-methyl-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17β-diol

  • 4-Hydroxy-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

  • 6α-Methyl-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

  • Estra-4,9,11-triene-3,17-dione

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS)

(Cannot be used after December 31, 2016, or ineligible for 7 years from the date of last use)

 

The name follows the terminology currently used for similar molecules targeting the estrogen receptor, "selective estrogen receptor modulators," such as tamoxifen. They are intended to have the same kind of effects as androgenic drugs like anabolic steroids but be much more selective in their action, allowing them to be used for many more clinical indications than the relatively limited legitimate uses that anabolic steroids are currently approved for. These include:

  • MK-2866 or GTx-024 /Ostarine)

  • Anabolicum or Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

  • Andarine (S-4 or Gtx-007)

  • Cardarine (GW-501516)

  • Nutrobal (MK677)

  • Stenabolic (SR9009)

  • Testolone (RAD140)

  • BMS-564 or 929

  • AC-262 or 356

  • JNJ- 2830835

  • LGD- 3303

  • S- 40503

  • S-23

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

(Limited to 50mg/day)

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DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands by both men and women. Production of it decreases with age. DHEA is not recommended for people under 40 years of age unless DHEA levels are known to be low (<130 mg/dl in women and <180 mg/dl in men). Therapeutic doses of 10-50mg of DHEA are used by many mature individuals (age 40+) for an increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being (improved quality of sleep, more relaxed, increased energy, better ability to handle stress, improved depressive state)1. For men or women who have either adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism, although gluco-and mineralocorticosteroid replacement is needed, 50 mg a day of DHEA is sufficient for replacement. Studies have shown no dangerous side effects from DHEA supplementation when taken in normal recommended therapeutic doses.

 

With respect to potential increase of the urinary testosterone/epitestosterone ratio (T/E) through DHEA supplementation, studies support DHEA use of 50mg/day or less having only slightly affected levels for a short period of time (2–5 h) without exceeding the 6:1 current acceptable ratio for NANBF and the IPE. DHEA’s effectiveness as an anabolic or energy-producing agent remains unproven.

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DHEA includes:

  • 3-beta-Hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, 3-beta-Hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one, 3-beta-Hydroxy-D5-androsten-17-one, 3-beta-hydroxy-etioallocholan-5-ene-17-one, 5-Androsten-3beta-ol-17-one (Prastera, Prasterone, Fidelin, Fluasterone)

  • Dymethazine, Mebalozine (17beta-hydroxy 2alpha,17beta-dimethyl 5alpha-androstan 3-on azine) found in supplements such as Dymethazine

  • Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine, T4), (found in brand names such as Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)

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​* 7-oxo-DHEA (also known as 7-keto-DHEA), 7alpha-hydroxy-DHEA (7alpha-OH-DHEA), and 7beta-hydroxy-DHEA (7beta-OH-DHEA) are DHEA metabolites that do not convert to androgens or estrogens or interact with sex steroid receptors and are not banned substances with NANBF

Growth hormones

(Cannot have been used within 7 years of contest date)

Including, but not limited to:

  • Human Chorionic Gonadrotropin (HCG)

  • Pharmaceutical Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

  • Somatropin

  • Sermorelin

  • Tesamorelin

  • Macimorelin

Prescription anti-estrogens

(Cannot have been used within 7 years of contest date)

Including, but not limited to:

  • Arimidex

  • Clomid

  • Letrozole

  • Nolvadex

Masking agents

(Cannot have been used within 7 years of contest date)

Including, but not limited to:

  • Epitestosterone (> 200 ng/mL)

  • Probenecid

Stimulants

(Cannot have been used within 6 months of contest date)

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Prescription weight-loss substances used for bodybuilding purposes including, but not limited to the following as well as their metabolites:

  • Amphetamine

  • Diethylpropion

  • Ephedra/Ephedrine/Ma-Huang

  • Ethamivan

  • Ethylamphetamine

  • Fencamfamine

  • Fenethylline

  • Fenfluramine

  • Fenproporex

  • Heptaminol

  • MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine)

  • MDE (Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine)

  • MDMA (Methylenedioxymethanphetamine)

  • Mefenorex

  • Methamphetamine

  • Methylphenidate

  • Modafinil

  • Nikethamide

  • Phendimetrazine

  • Phenmetrazine

  • Phentermine

Prescription diuretics

(Cannot have been used within 3 weeks before a contest date)

Including, but not limited to:

  • Acetazolamide

  • Bendroflumethiazide

  • Bumetanide

  • Canrenone/Spironolactone

  • Chlorothiazide

  • Chlorthalidone

  • Clopamide

  • Cyclothiazide

  • Dichlorphenamide

  • Ethacrynic Acid

  • Furosemide

  • Hydrochlorothiazide

  • Hydroflumethiazide

  • Methclothiazide

  • Metolazone

  • Polythiazide

  • Quinethazone

  • Trichlormethiazide

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* Natural diuretics (ex. Dandelion root) legally sold over-the-counter are not banned with the NANBF

Miscellaneous

  • Insulin for the purpose of bodybuilding (cannot have been used within 7 years of contest date)

  • Muscle implants

  • Synthol (cannot have been used within 7 years of contest date)

  • For the purpose of competition, any medical procedures that extract fat and can show more leanness (ex. ab etching)

  • Any of substances on this banned list found in alternative forms available through “experimental” or “for research purposes only” labeling (cannot have been used within seven years of contest date)

Therapeutic-use exemption

Athletes, like all others, may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications. If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the prohibited list, a therapeutic use exemption may give that athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine. Criteria for granting a therapeutic use exemption are:

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  1. The athlete would experience significant health problems without taking the prohibited substance or method

  2. The therapeutic use of the substance would not produce significant enhancement of performance

  3. There is no reasonable therapeutic alternative to the use of the otherwise prohibited substance or method.

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