Hormone anabolic/catabolic balance in female endurance athletes

The anabolic/catabolic hormone balance in 13 female endurance athletes was studied during basal conditions by comparing their serum concentrations of androgenic and catabolic steroids, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin with corresponding values in 15 matched sedentary controls. Higher cortisol and lower levels sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were found in the athletes, and these differences were enhanced depending on the degree of menstrual disorders. There was a negative correlation between cortisol and SHBG levels. No differences were found in concentrations of androgens, IGF-1 and insulin. The results indicate a normal anabolic activity in oligomenorrheic athletes, but due to their distinct hypercortisolism, the anabolic/catabolic hormone balance is changed to a predominantly catabolic state.