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Racial and Ethnic Differences in Classic and 11-Oxygenated Androgens in Men
Peeradon Vibhatavata1,2, Chaelin Lee1, Jeffrey McDonald3
1Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Black and Hispanic men have higher levels of 11-ketotestosterone than White men, suggesting race-based differences in androgens may influence prostate health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Andrology
- Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Background:
- Prostate pathologies like cancer and BPH vary significantly across racial and ethnic groups.
- 11-oxygenated C19 steroids (11-oxyandrogens) are implicated in androgen-dependent conditions, but their racial variations are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate race/ethnic differences in serum concentrations of androgens, including 11-oxyandrogens.
- To explore the relationship between androgens, race/ethnicity, BMI, and age.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 1,025 men from the Dallas Heart Study-2.
- Simultaneous quantification of androstenedione, testosterone, and 11-oxyandrogens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Statistical comparison across racial groups, adjusting for age, BMI, and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone levels were observed across Black, Hispanic, and White men.
- Black men exhibited higher testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone than White men, after adjusting for age and BMI.
- 11-oxyandrogens showed a positive correlation with BMI, while testosterone and androstenedione decreased with increasing BMI.
Conclusions:
- Circulating 11-ketotestosterone concentrations are elevated in Black and Hispanic men compared to White men, even when controlling for age and BMI.
- Interethnic variability in systemic androgens may play a role in the differing prevalence and phenotypes of androgen-related pathologies across racial groups.
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