Effects of exercise training on plasma androgens in men.

An increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with a reduced plasma androgen concentration in men. The purpose of the present study was to determine if plasma testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration were altered with an exercise training program which reduced CAD risk. Thirteen men (mean +/- SE, age 47.2 +/- 1.5 yrs) were examined before and after 14 weeks of endurance-oriented physical training (3-4 days/week, 30-45 min/day). There were no changes in basal plasma T, SHBG and DHEAS concentration despite a significant (p < 0.05) increase in insulin sensitivity, plasma HDL cholesterol, and a decrease in plasma triglyceride and adiposity. Exercise training thus appears to reduce CAD risk irrespective of androgen concentration in men.