27 - Hormones and Athletic Performance

Abstract

Physical activity exerts an important influence on the endocrine system, modulating synthesis and secretion of several hormones. Almost every organ and system in the body is affected by physical activity and exercise, mainly through the endocrine and neuroendocrine system. Exercise mode, intensity, and duration, age, gender, and fitness level of the individual, and environmental and psychological factors may affect endocrine response to physical activity. Several hormones influence physical performance and body composition, with a bidirectional interrelationship between exercise and hormones. Hormone abuse has become a widespread habit among professional and recreational athletes. Anabolic androgenic steroids, growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogues, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin, erythropoietin, and glucocorticosteroid properties are used and misused in sports. Specific methods to detect hormone abuse are described. Professionals involved in sports medicine and in endocrinology are presented with an elucidation of the complex interactions between physical activity and the endocrine system. Hormone abuse in competitive and recreational sports exerts negative consequences for long-term health.