REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES

Abstract

Over the last 20 years estrogen and progesterone effects on systems other than the reproductive system have become well recognized, and their profound effects on human heath continue to be elucidated. Among the systems affected by sex hormone status are systems central to exercise performance. This symposium will address sex hormone effects on four physiological systems that are important for exercise performance: body fluid regulation, autonomic function, temperature regulation and metabolism, and will also include a discussion on the relationship between physical activity and fertility. Dr. Stachenfeld will describe effects of estrogen and body fluid and sodium regulation. Changes in autonomic-cardiovascular function accompany menopause. Dr. Seals will address this topic and describe the effects of hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Kenney will discuss the mechanisms for sex hormone effects on basal and exercise temperature regulation. His talk will describe recent findings demonstrating sex hormone effects on skin blood flow and how these changes affect temperature regulation during exercise. Dr Poehlman will discuss estrogen replacement and deficiency on body composition and insulin sensitivity in old and young women. A number of studies have demonstrated that environmental factors, such as exercise and nutrition, can affect fertility. Dr. Silva will describe the mechanism for these effects on fertility, predisposing factors and treatment when these effects continue after exercise cessation.