The effect of concurrent training on serum androgens levels and sexual function in menopausal women

Background and Aim: Womenchr('39')s sexual function decreases during menopause, which in turn reduces their quality of life. Some studies have suggested that physical activity is associated with improved sexual function and increased blood androgens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of concurrent training on serum levels of testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Materials and Method: In this quasi-experimental study, the statistical sample of this study consisted of 30 postmenopausal women with an average weight of 65.1±5.4 kg and a body mass index of 24.6±2 2.3 kg/m2 which were randomly divided into two groups of concurrent training and control. The training group performed 8 weeks of concurrent training. Serum levels of dihydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and sexual function were measured 48 hours before and after training. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software at a significance level of 0.05. Results: concurrent training in the experimental group significantly increased serum testosterone levels compared to the control group (P=0.042). Although concurrent training increased the serum level of dihydroepiandrosterone in the experimental group, but this value was not significant (P=0.396). Concurrent training also increased sexual function in the areas of desire (P=0.035), marital satisfaction (P=0.002) and total scores (P=0.047) in the concurrent training group compared to the control group. Conclusion: In general, based on our findings, it seems that concurrent training improves sexual function in postmenopausal women by increasing serum testosterone levels.