Intramuscular sex steroid hormones are reduced after resistance training in postmenopausal women, but not affected by estrogen therapy

•Intramuscular sex steroid hormones were assessed in postmenopausal women in a RCT.•Resistance training reduced intramuscular E2, testosterone and DHEA concentrations.•E2 therapy did not affect intramuscular E2, testosterone and DHEA concentrations.•Intramuscular sex steroid hormones did not associate with skeletal muscle variables.•Serum FSH and LH was associated with skeletal muscle mass and size.