BACKGROUND: The basal levels of androgens in women decline gradually with age. These changes may reduce muscle strength and bone density leading to fatigue and psychological problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance and endurance exercises on androgens, cortisol and lactate concentrations in elderly women. METHODS: In this study, 10 elderly women with a mean age of 54.3 +/- 3.74 years and a BMI of 24.88 +/- 2.07 kg/m2 completed an endurance exercise session (ES), a resistance exercise session (RS), and a control session (CS) in a randomized, cross-balanced design. The RS consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions of eight exercises with 80% 1RM (one repetition maximum) over of 45 minutes and the ES consisted of cycling at 60% to 70% of maximum oxygen consumption for 45 minutes. During the CS, subjects performed no exercise. Before and immediately after exercises, and after 15 minutes of recovery, and also during CS blood samples were obtained an analyzed for serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol and lactate. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in testosterone levels following resistance and endurance exercise sessions (p < 0.05). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate demonstrated a significant increase after resistance exercise (p < 0.05). While differences in cortisol levels were not significant within groups, but they were significant (p < 0.05) between groups. CONCLUSION: A session of resistance exercise in elderly women can increase concentrations of androgens that are essential for their health and well-being.

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