ANDROSTENEDIONE, TESTOSTERONE, AND FREE TESTOSTERONE CONCENTRATION IN WOMEN OF VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS

Serum androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), testosterone-binding globulin (TBG), and free testosterone concentration (FTC) were correlated with occupational status in fifty-five normal females. With some variation among age groups, A, T, and FTC were positively associated with occupation, mean levels being higher in students and professional, managerial, and technical workers compared to clerical workers and housewives. A and FTC also associated significantly with the degree of job complexity in relation to people, whereas T significantly correlated with the degree of job complexity in relation to things. These data most likely reflect biological and environmental causes in a hormone-behavior feedback relationship. The genetic potential for increased androgen secretion may affect certain personality characteristics related to career-orientation in females, i.e., those labeled 'masculine' by this culture, such as assertiveness and independence. Moreover, the positive or negative stress associated with an occupation could stimulate or inhibit androgen secretion.