Physical activity and sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women

UnrestrictedThe crucial yet complex relationships between physical activity and physiologic and pharmacologic sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women have not been investigated sufficiently. In this post hoc cohort analysis of data from Estrogen in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Trial, physical activity was tested for an association with sex hormone levels, assessed longitudinally over two years in 194 postmenopausal women, 90 randomized to 17β-estradiol (e2) and 104 to placebo. Physical activity (total energy expenditure and weekly hours spent in moderate or more physical activity) was associated with decreased serum levels of estradiol in both groups [Placebo: (p=0.02); e2-treated group: (p=0.002)]. Physical activity was associated with reduced androgen levels [testosterone and androstenedione (p<0.001 for both)] and elevated SHBG level (p