Resting serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level increases after 8-week resistance training among young females

This study examined changes among young females of resting serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration after an 8-week period of resistance training. Nineteen healthy untrained young females [training group: age 18.9 (0.3) years, n=10, control group: age 19.3 (1.0) years, n=9; mean (SD)] were recruited in this study. The training group participated in an 8-week resistance training program (2 days per week on nonconsecutive days). The control group did not involve in any resistance training or regular exercise during the study period. Muscular strength, anthropometry, and resting hormonal levels were measured before and after training in both groups. Serum concentrations of DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Body mass (2.4%) and lean body mass (2.4%) were significantly increased in the training group ( P<0.05), but not in the control group. The training also significantly increased one-repetition maximum (1-RM) values ( P<0.05). In the training group, resting concentration of serum DHEAS significantly increased after training ( P<0.05). Percent change of DHEAS in the training group was greater than that of the control group ( P<0.05). In the training group, the change of DHEAS level was positively correlated with the change of lean body mass during the training ( r=0.61; P<0.05). Serum DHEA, testosterone and cortisol concentrations did not change in either group during the training. The dramatic increase of resting serum DHEAS concentration after training indicates that DHEAS might be an anabolic hormone marker of adaptation to resistance training among young females. Results are presented as mean (SD).