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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Urine cortisol and cortisone and water intake in athletes
R Gatti1, G Antonelli, B Zecchin
1Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Medical Diagnostic and Special Therapies, University of Padua (I), Padua, Italy.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the urine cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) relation, having a well-defined water intake.
Methods:
Urine specimens were collected from 10 male trained cyclists (19+/-1 year, 70+/-4 kg, 179+/-4 cm), at rest just before the test (pre-exe) and until 45 min after the cycle ergometer exercise test (45 min at 50-60% VO2max) (post-exe) in the morning. This investigation measured the diuresis in the pre-exe and post-exe after each athlete had drunk 1 L of water from waking-up, after bladder emptying, to the start of the test (pre-exe) and 1 L during the 45 min after the exercise (post-exe).
Results:
Urinary F and E concentrations demonstrated a significant decrease comparing pre-exe with post-exe (177+/-134 vs 64+/-21 and 706+/-475 vs 372+/-178 nmol.L(-1) respectively, p < 0.05). This significant decrease was verified when diuresis and urinary creatinine were taken into account and the ratio measured.
Conclusion:
One litre of water intake after exercise seemed to have no effect on urine F and E excretion. Moreover the urine F/E ratio was not statistically different comparing pre-exe with post-exe.
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