Is it possible to determine gender with a testosterone test? Find out what science says

When you think of testosterone, many people think of a man's physique, muscle strength, or physical ability. However, in reality, testosterone is not only produced in men's bodies, but women also naturally have this hormone.

However, the question is - is it possible to definitively determine a person as a man or a woman if the level of testosterone in the blood is high? Medical science says that the matter is not so simple.

There has been a long discussion and debate around the world about testosterone levels, especially in determining the eligibility to participate in women's sports.

What is testosterone and why is it important?

Testosterone is an important sex hormone that is produced in the bodies of both women and men.

Men usually have more of it in their bodies and it plays a role in various physical functions, including muscle growth, bone density, and red blood cell production.

Women also have testosterone in their bodies, but its levels are usually lower than men's.

However, this level may change depending on age, physical condition, medication, hormonal problems, and individual.

Discussion surrounding two Bangladeshi athletes

Recently, there has been a discussion surrounding two Bangladeshi athletes regarding testosterone levels and sports qualifications.

According to published information, the matter was investigated after allegations were made about 19-year-old sprinter Kavita and 28-year-old thrower Jannat.

For this, an expert medical board was formed with the help of Bangladesh Medical University. Later, the report was submitted to the concerned authorities.

Although the report revealed information about their testosterone levels, from the point of view of medical science, a person's complete biological identity cannot be determined through just one hormone test.

Why is testosterone important in sports?

The issue of testosterone is considered separately in the field of sports.

Studies have shown that the effects of high testosterone for a long time after puberty can affect the body's muscles, strength, and physical ability.

This is especially important in running, throwing, and power sports.

For this reason, some international sports organizations use testosterone levels as a criterion for determining eligibility for participation in women's categories.

Does testosterone level determine gender?

No, testosterone levels alone cannot determine someone's biological sex.

Doctors consider various factors as needed to determine a person's biological characteristics. These may include:

Hormonal information
Physical characteristics
Medical history
Sexual development information
Genetic characteristics

Therefore, it is not scientifically accurate to determine a person's complete identity based on the results of a blood test alone.

Why is this issue controversial?

Two issues become important in women's competition—fair competition and the rights of athletes.

One side believes that the effects of testosterone after puberty can create some physical advantages, so it needs to be considered in the competition rules.

On the other hand, many believe that it is not right to determine the full ability or identity of an athlete based on testosterone levels alone.

Because training, genetic characteristics, body composition and other factors also play an important role in an athlete's performance.

Expert opinion

According to experts, although testosterone is an important biological factor, it is not the only determinant of a person's complete identity.

Therefore, it is necessary to look at the issues of medicine and sports ethics separately.

There may be rules for determining eligibility in sports, but it is not right to directly compare it with someone's biological identity.

Conclusion

Testosterone is an important hormone present in the bodies of both women and men. A person cannot be identified as a man if its level is found in high levels in the blood.

However, testosterone can be an important factor in determining eligibility to participate in certain sports competitions.

For this reason, it is important to take into account both medical and sports ethics when analyzing hormone test results for athletes.