Women runners born with high testosterone levels enjoy a “significant competitive advantage”, says a study that could reignite debate on the future participation of athletes whose gender was questioned. Hyperandrogenism is a condition that causes high natural levels of the male hormone, testosterone, in women. Without proof, IAAF regulations excluding women with hyperandrogenism from competition are set to lapse. It found that women with high natural testosterone levels performed better in the 400-metre sprint, 400m hurdles, and 800m middle-distance events than women with low levels. The regulations allowed hyperandrogenic athletes to take medication to lower their testosterone levels to below 10 nanomoles per litre – considered a low level in men.

Source: Hindustan Times July 04, 2017 03:56 UTC