Alice,
Does exercise (i.e. weight lifting) increase testosterone levels?
—Working Out
Dear Working Out,
Research has shown that in males, endurance training (running) actually depresses testosterone levels. However, in elite male athletes, who have been involved in resistance training (weight lifting) for over two years, researchers found an increase in serum testosterone. It is speculated that this increase is related to the creation of more optimal conditions for facilitating muscular adaptations in response to overload.
If you have a specific question related to your training, you might want to see an endocrinologist or a sports nutritionist.
- Alice