OBJECTIVE: The role of testosterone in the regulation of metabolic and physiological function in men is well defined, but its role in women remains enigmatic. Thus, the present study sought to assess the contribution of endogenous circulating androgens to the regulation of metabolic function, body morphometry, and physical function in normal naturally postmenopausal women.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we measured serum androgens in a cohort of 29 naturally postmenopausal women and correlated the results with metabolic, morphometric, and functional outcome parameters. These included insulin sensitivity, whole-body fat and lean body mass, visceral/abdominal fat areasm and aerobic capacity.

RESULTS: Higher serum testosterone levels were related to greater maximal aerobic capacity and reduced adiposity. Additionally, higher serum dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and androstenetriol glucuronidate levels were correlated to greater insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: In naturally postmenopausal women, endogenous androgens may play a role in the maintenance of beneficial patterns of metabolic, morphometric, and functional parameters.