Chapter 4.1, Problem 3TPSQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Whether it is fair for XX females with naturally high testosterone to compete in women’s sports.

Introduction:

In 2011, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) adopted a policy according to which they limit levels of testosterone in female athletes. They reported that the female athletes must not have a blood concentration of testosterone more than $\text{10}\text{nmol/L}$(nanomoles per liter).

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Whether, they have an unfair advantage in competition with other women.

Introduction:

Presence of ovaries suppresses the level of testosterone than $\text{10}\text{nmol/L}$. This limit has been determined as the threshold level which forms the basis for the scrutiny of sportswomen if the testosterone falls beyond this level.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Whether, it is fair for the male athletes with naturally high levels of testosterone.

Introduction:

Testosterone is the hormone which is known to increase the mass of muscles and enhance the athletic performance. The concentration of this hormone in blood is generally higher in males than females

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Is it unfair advantage over other males.

Introduction:

Testosterone is produced in both males and females but the concentration of this hormone is higher in the case of males than females because it is produced by testes.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The genes that provide unfair advantage in competition.

Introduction:

Testosterone is a male hormone secreted by male gonads, testes. During the developmental stage, genes present on sex determining region Y influence the neutral gonads causing them to differentiate into testes.