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The role of beta-endorphins and catechol estrogens on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in female athletes.
- Source :
-
Fertility and sterility [Fertil Steril] 1984 Nov; Vol. 42 (5), pp. 690-5. - Publication Year :
- 1984
-
Abstract
- Competitive swimmers were followed over a 2-year period when they trained at different levels of exercise which coincided with distinct changes in their menstrual history. Oligomenorrhea was identified in 5 of 13 of these athletes when they swam approximately 100,000 yards per week. Weight and percentage of body fat were not significantly different between the period of oligomenorrhea and regular menstrual function (P = 0.24). Mean and median levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and 17beta-estradiol were decreased and catechol estrogens and beta-endorphins were increased in serum during the strenuous, when compared with the moderate, training period. The serum levels of the steroid and protein hormones were similar to those of normal cycling, nonexercising control subjects during moderate exercise (60,000 yards per week). The significant differences between beta-endorphins and catechol estrogens during periods of strenuous exercise suggest an explanation for oligomenorrhea in female athletes. These hormonal changes result in hypothalamic anovulation, which appears to be reversible, because the hormone levels and menstrual cycles return to normal when the exercise is reduced.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Body Composition
Body Weight
Endorphins blood
Estradiol blood
Estrogens, Catechol blood
Female
Follicle Stimulating Hormone blood
Humans
Luteinizing Hormone blood
Prolactin blood
Swimming
beta-Endorphin
Endorphins physiology
Estrogens, Catechol physiology
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System physiology
Menstruation Disturbances etiology
Oligomenorrhea etiology
Physical Exertion
Sports Medicine
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0015-0282
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Fertility and sterility
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 6092153
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)48192-6