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Sexual dimorphism in exercise-induced response on steroid hormones to a 24-week supervised concurrent training
Lourdes Herrera-Quintana1, Héctor Vázquez-Lorente1, Jonatan R Ruiz2,3,4
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 20, 2025
Summary
This 24-week exercise study found no changes in steroid hormone levels. However, women showed a decreased testosterone/cortisol ratio, suggesting sex-specific endocrine responses to exercise intensity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Steroid hormones are crucial for adapting to exercise.
- Chronic effects of exercise intensity on steroid hormones are not well understood.
- The influence of sex on exercise-induced hormonal changes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of 24-week concurrent training at different intensities on steroid hormones.
- To determine if exercise intensity affects endocrine adaptations.
- To investigate potential sex differences in response to exercise training.
Main Methods:
- 106 sedentary young adults (men and women) were randomized into control, moderate-intensity, or vigorous-intensity training groups.
- Concurrent training intervention lasted 24 weeks.
- Plasma levels of cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured, alongside body composition analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in overall steroid hormone levels (cortisol, testosterone, DHEAS) were observed across groups.
- A significant time x group interaction was found for the testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio, specifically in women.
- Women in both moderate and vigorous exercise groups exhibited a decreased T/C ratio compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- A 24-week concurrent training program did not alter individual steroid hormone levels.
- A notable reduction in the testosterone/cortisol ratio was observed exclusively in women.
- These findings suggest a sexual dimorphism in the endocrine response to concurrent exercise training, particularly concerning the T/C ratio.
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