What is World Athletics' DSD or Hormone Regulation? Will it Put an End to Abha Khatua's Career?

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Hormone regulation in athletics, particularly concerning testosterone levels in female athletes, has been a contentious and sensitive issue in recent years.

Speculation is ripe as per a report by Times of India that their women's shot put national record holder Abha Khatua has probably been omitted from the Indian squad for the same reason by the World Athletics.

While the World Athletics and Athletics Federation are tight-lipped on the matter, this is not the first time an Indian athlete has faced such an accusation. MyKhel dives deep into the topic while addressing all questions you have regarding the matter.

This topic gained significant attention following the Caster Semenya sex test controversy at the 2009 World Championships, which led to the introduction of controversial regulations by track and field's international governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics (WA).

Understanding Hyperandrogenism

Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterised by the excessive production of hormones, including testosterone. Both men and women produce testosterone, but men generally have higher levels. In some intersex women, hyperandrogenism results in testosterone levels that are significantly higher than the average for females.

This hormone, often associated with masculinity, can influence muscle mass, strength, and endurance - all crucial factors in athletic performance.

The IAAF's hyperandrogenism regulations, imposed in 2011, specifically targeted these women, requiring them to artificially lower their testosterone levels to compete in women's events.

How Do the Hyperandrogenism Regulations Work?

Under these rules, the World Athletics initiated a three-stage medical examination if it suspected a female athlete had hyperandrogenism. Suspicion often arose from a sudden and dramatic improvement in performance.

The WA believed that testosterone was the most significant factor influencing athletic performance, giving hyperandrogenic women an unfair advantage over other female athletes. Consequently, they mandated that these athletes reduce their testosterone levels through medication or surgery to compete.

Historical Context of Sex Testing in Athletics

Sex testing in athletics has a long history, beginning with basic physical examinations and later chromosome tests. However, the case of Spanish hurdler Maria Martinez-Patino in the mid-1980s, who was unfairly excluded from the Olympic team due to a chromosome test, led the IAAF to reconsider its approach.

Instead of chromosome tests, the IAAF began focusing on testosterone levels to determine eligibility to compete as a woman. However, formal testosterone regulations were not introduced until 2011, following the emergence of Caster Semenya.

The Cases of Caster Semenya and Dutee Chand

Caster Semenya, a South African middle-distance runner, won gold medals in the 800 meters at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. However, the IAAF's regulations meant she had to take testosterone-reducing medication to compete internationally in events between 400 meters and one mile.

Semenya described the impact of this medication on her health as devastating, both physically and mentally. In her book, "The Race To Be Myself," Semenya details the harmful effects and her ongoing fight against the 2019 WA rules, which prevented her from defending her 800m title at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand also faced significant challenges due to the IAAF's hyperandrogenism policy. In 2014, she was dropped from India's Commonwealth Games contingent because of her naturally high testosterone levels.

Chand took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that the regulations were discriminatory. Experts for Chand demonstrated that the dividing line between male and female testosterone levels was not as clear-cut as the IAAF suggested. Some elite male athletes had testosterone levels within the female range.

Consequently, the court awarded a temporary victory to Chand, suspending the rules until the WA could provide clear evidence of the performance advantage conferred by higher testosterone levels in hyperandrogenic women.

The issue of hormone regulation in athletics remains a complex and sensitive topic. While the WA have implemented rules to ensure fair competition, the experiences of athletes like Caster Semenya and Dutee Chand highlight the ethical, medical, and scientific challenges associated with these regulations.

The ongoing debate underscores the need for policies that balance fairness in competition with respect for the rights and health of all athletes.