The mighty Herculiza dethrowned but not defeated by failed drug test

November 9, 1:00 PMSF Fitness ExaminerJim Evans

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HERCULIZA
Courtesy of Liza Reichenberger

 Liza Reichenberger, aka Herculiza (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11566-SF-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m9d16-Herculiza-unchained-for-pro-bodybuilding-event),overall winner of the recent WNBF Pro U.S. Cup Natural Bodybuilding Championships on October 26 in Sacramento, has been suspended by the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) for 7 years for failing to pass the mandatory post-competition urine test.  While she did pass the pre-contest polygraph and her physicians state, unequivocally, that her urine sample was likely contaminated by her unintentional use of a prescribed topical female hormonal cream, the WNBF (www.wnbf.net/) maintains a strict “zero tolerance” policy with regard to its drug policies, and the suspension will stand. 

“It is what it is....zero tolerance is zero tolerance” says Liza unashamedly.  “The label (of the cream) had long since rubbed off, and it was probably inert (last filled in 2002), but like Roy (contest promoter LeRoy Perry) said on the phone the other day, ‘honey, you should have made SURE of the contents of the cream before using it’.”

“He is right, of course,” she adds. “The only reason that my (testosterone) value must have been so high is that I must have rubbed residue from the ointment directly into, or on the edge of the cup somehow. My title in the US Cup is forever gone though.  I am 'disqualified' due to the urine level of testosterone found in my urine sample. Other female competitors my age should be warned about ‘menopause’ creams and that symptomatic relief could precipitate suspension from the WNBF.  The loss of titles earned while under treatment is DEVASTATING and can be avoided. I unwittingly used the ointment for menopausal symptoms, not realizing all of the contents.”

Says Dorothy Shoup, M.D., Fellow of the American College of OBGYN, “I have seen overuse of testosterone and it's physical effects, and Liza does not have any of these.  These effects do not disappear quickly and cannot be masked in just a few days.  Her previous gynecologist prescribed a cream to be used externally for hormonal/menopausal symptoms she had and has been experiencing.  This cream is to be applied to the external skin, not internally. The doses of testosterone used in topical preparations for females are very low and, by design, are not given in doses that might cause virilization or enhance performance in athletic events.  Since these creams are formulated by pharmacists and not standardized, the doses and contents of each prescription can vary greatly (and the prescriptions are not always labeled in detail) and, again, are not performance-enhancing medications. Because of the protocol of preparation for competition, I believe that Liza did not realize that the cream she used had testosterone in it, and she then contaminated her urine specimen.”

However, as emphasized by WNBF Vice President Charlie Carollo, “The materials…fail to prove that the drug-testing failure was due to an error in the administration of a prescribed medication. The WNBF requires indisputable proof that the failure is the result of an isolated compound, in this case the prescribed cream. Dr. Shoup states that she did not observe the typical possible side effects of steroid use, but the potential side effects vary from person to person and are not always present. This is not an accusation, just how evidence must be viewed when dealing with these matters. While the values tested appear to be in a normal range after this incident, it still does not explain the reason for failure beyond all reasonable doubt.”

Support from fellow athletes has generally been positive since Reichenberger has passed dozens of previous drug tests over the years without incident and has been a longtime proponent of drug-free bodybuilding.  

 Perhaps natural bodybuilding champion Toni West (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11566-SF-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m9d1-Small-looking-to-make-big-impression-at-bodybuildingfigure-competition) says it best in a personal note to Liza: “I hate this for you personally, and I want you to go forward in bodybuilding as you are a great competitor, and have made a significant mark on women's bodybuilding and a positive role model for many.  I do stand behind the WNBF and their decisions, and expect that if it happened to me or anyone close to me that the same standards be followed. It is for the integrity of the sport and the assigned rules as an athlete, that we sign each and every competition. We believe you, and believe IN you.  Just remember the rules are there for our protection, and in general if they decide on things case by case, we have a big mess on our hands.”

 What’s next for Herculiza? Liza still has more worlds to conquer in natural bodybuilding but no longer with the WNBF. 

“Am I ignorant? Yes,” says Liza, “but innocent. Let this be a warning to protect others who might unwittingly suffer my same fate. I have been SO outspoken against steroid use...25 years now, and to go out like this?! How ironic.  I am 49, and after the suspension lifts, will be 56. My career with the WNBF is essentially over, but I have no intention of finger-pointing, complaining, or spreading viciousness.” Spoken like a true champion.