HORMONAL CHANGES AT REST IN OVERTRAINED ENDURANCE ATHLETES.
1Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Dept. of P.E., Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., U.S.A.
Biology of Sport
|March 29, 2020
Summary
Endurance athletes experiencing overtraining showed significant hormonal changes, including decreased testosterone and increased prolactin. This suggests overtraining syndrome in athletes may stem from neuroendocrine dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a complex condition affecting athletes.
- Neuroendocrine dysfunction is hypothesized as a potential cause of OTS.
- Hormonal profiles in athletes undergoing intense training require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resting hormonal levels in endurance athletes during high-intensity training.
- To compare hormonal profiles between overtrained athletes and matched controls.
- To determine if hormonal changes correlate with overtraining characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Measured resting levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, and prolactin.
- Monitored athletes before and during a high-intensity training phase.
- Compared hormonal data between four overtrained athletes and physically matched controls.
Main Results:
- Overtrained athletes exhibited a significant decline in testosterone levels (P<0.01).
- Prolactin levels significantly increased (P<0.05) in overtrained subjects.
- The testosterone/cortisol ratio significantly decreased (P<0.005) in the overtrained group.
Conclusions:
- Overtraining syndrome in endurance athletes is associated with significant hormonal alterations.
- Findings support the hypothesis that overtraining syndrome involves neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- Specific hormonal markers may help identify athletes at risk of overtraining.
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