To determine the effect of androgens on body composition and muscle strength, we measured fat-free mass (kg), fat mass (kg), and bone density (g/cm2) by dual x-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength (Newton meters) by dynamometry in a controlled, prospective study involving 13 nonathletic men receiving testosterone enanthate 200 mg/week in for 6 months and 8 healthy controls. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured in the treated subjects at baseline and 6 months. In the treated subjects at 6 months, fat-free mass (mean +/- SEM) increased by 9.6 +/- 1.0% (P < or = 0.01) whereas fat mass decreased by 16.2 +/- 6.7% (P < or = 0.05). Changes in muscle strength ranged from -1.6-19.2%. Only hip adduction increased 19.2 +/- 9.5% (P < 0.05). Changes in bone density ranged from -1.3-5.2%, decreasing significantly at one site and increasing significantly at four of the nine sites measured (P < 0.05). Serum testosterone increased by 91.1 +/- 7.5% (P < 0.01), and testicular volume decreased by 24.0 +/- 3.2% (P < 0.01). Serum osteocalcin increased by 35.7 +/- 17.3% (P < 0.05), serum immunoreactive PTH (iPTH) increased by 41.4 +/- 15.1% (P < 0.05), serum calcium decreased by 2.3 +/- 1.0% (P < 0.05), and serum albumin decreased by 4.5 +/- 1.7% (P < 0.05). There were no detectable changes in fat-free mass, fat mass, muscle strength, or bone density in controls. The administration of testosterone enanthate in pharmacological doses for 6 months resulted in a modest reduction in fat mass and small increases in fat-free mass, muscle strength, and bone density. These changes do not support the use of androgens for enhancing athletic performance.