The significance of testosterone for fair participation of the female sex in competitive sports

摘要

@@ Sex segregation in competitive sports is regarded as fair.Before puberty,boys and girls hardly differ in height,muscle and bone mass.Pubertal testosterone exposure leads to an ultimate average greater height in men of 12-[15]centimeters,larger bones,greater muscle mass,increased strength and higher hemoglobin levels.Post-pubertal androgen ablation reverses,at least in part,previous anabolic effects of testosterone on muscle,' bone mineral density and hemoglobin,but the bones remain longer and have a wider diameter.As testosterone administration produces a dose-dependent increase in muscle mass and maximal voluntary strength,2'3 exogenous androgens are banned as performance-enhancing drugs.4 Men with testosterone deficiency are allowed to receive testosterone replacements which do not raise blood testosterone levels above the normal male range.