Psychological and Behavioural Effects of Endogenous Testosterone Levels and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Among Males: A Review

by Michael S. Bahrke, Charles E. Yesalis III, and James E. Wright

3.4 Testosterone Levels and Stress

An association between stress and levels of testosterone has been demonstrated in several studies. Kreuz et al. (1972) found plasma testosterone levels in 18 young men attending a military training course were significantly lower during a stressful period when compared with a less stressful phase. Likewise, Aakvaag et al. (1978) studied the effect of physical and psychological stress (a 5-day combat course) on 8 young male military cadets and found a significant and prolonged reduction in plasma testosterone levels. Francis (1981), in examining the relationship between high and low trait psychological stress, serum testosterone and serum cortisol, found males (30 to 55 years), classified as experiencing high psychological stress [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al. 1970)], possessed significantly lower testosterone levels than did their low stress counterparts. Morville et al. (1979) have demonstrated reduced testosterone levels following intense physical effort (100km running races) in male endurance athletes. Testosterone levels were also significantly decreased in 5 male athletes participating in a 20-day 1100km foot race (Schurmeyer et al. 1984).

In summary, a pattern of association between plasma testosterone and both subjectively-perceived and observed aggressive behaviour has been revealed in many of the preceding studies. However, the relationships between plasma testosterone and psychometric indices of aggression and hostility have been less consistent. The results of studies in this section are summarised in table I.

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Originally appearing in Sports Medicine 10(5) 303-337. 1990.

Copyright © 1990 by Adis International Limited. All rights reserved. Reprinted by MESO-Rx with permission.  Any duplication of this document by electronic or other means is strictly prohibited.