Scientists Challenge Testosterone Limits For Female Athletes

Experts writing in the British Medical Journal have described recently introduced limits of testosterone for female athletics participants as unscientific.

The limits were introduced by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) last year, stating that women with five nanomoles per litre or more would be unable to compete without hormone treatment. 

However, scientists have disputed the requirement claiming that there is a lack of evidence regarding the hormones impact on performance and the level at which it mya be a significant factor.

The IAAF has delayed the implementation of the new rule pending the outcome of a legal challenge by South African athlete Caster Semenya. A ruling is expected by the end of March. 

Semenya has faced a ban as a result of her testosterone limits.