Do circulating androgen levels predict competitiveness in female athletes?

Abstract

Objective: In males a correlation between competitiveness and testosterone have been reported. As no such data is available in females we aimed at investigating the possible association between competitiveness and androgen levels in a sample of female top athletes.

Method: Thirty one Norwegian female top athletes completed the competitiveness subscale of the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), underwent a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test with a following lactate measurement and had blood samples drawn to measure androstendione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)and compute free testosterone index (FTI). Regression analyses were used to investigate the correlation between competitiveness and hormone levels.

Results: No androgens were directly correlated to competitiveness. However, when controlling for age, body mass index, VO2max, lactate and sports category, androstendione had a significant positive correlation and free testosterone index (FTI) a significant negative correlation to competitiveness.

Conclusion: In female top athletes androstenedione may be positively and FTI negatively associated with SOQ measured competitiveness. Further research into to possible association between androgens and competitiveness in females are needed to confirm or reject our findings.