Female hyperandrogenism and elite sport

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Testosterone enhances muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in women.
• Normal testosterone levels correlate with athletic performance in female athletes.
• Hyperandrogenic conditions like PCOS and DSD are more prevalent in female athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of testosterone in female athletic performance.
• To examine the impact of elevated testosterone levels on fair competition.
• To review the implications of hyperandrogenism in female athletes.

Main Methods:

• Review of emerging evidence on testosterone's effects.
• Analysis of studies correlating testosterone levels with performance.
• Examination of prevalence of hyperandrogenic conditions in athletes.

Main Results:

• Testosterone significantly impacts female athletic performance, including lean mass and aerobic capacity.
• Endogenous testosterone levels in some female athletes can be 10-20 times higher than normal.
• Hyperandrogenism may influence women's participation and performance in sports.

Conclusions:

• Testosterone is a key factor in male athletic advantage.
• Allowing female athletes with male-range testosterone to compete is debated.
• Eligibility regulations for female athletes are controversial and legally challenged.