Acute Adrenal Suppression Following Resistance Training in Elite Female Athletes: A Comprehensive Steroid Profile
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim: This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate acute adrenal-derived hormonal responses and training performance in elite female athletes during resistance training with respect to the female cycle. Methods: In 19 elite female athletes, acute hormonal responses to resistance training were examined over four weeks, measured before and 60 min after exercise. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry provided a comprehensive steroid profile, including classical and adrenal-specific 11-oxygenated androgens. Performance metrics were tracked using a velocity-based training method. Results: Sixty minutes after resistance training, significant acute changes in steroid hormone concentrations were observed. Levels of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) (−0.707 nmol/L; p = 0.012, −20.0%), androsterone (−0.201 nmol/L; p = 0.049, −14.8%), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (−3.813 nmol/L; p = 0.006, −17.1%) decreased significantly. The total sum of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and bioactive androgens decreased. No significant differences in absolute or relative velocity loss and estimated one-repetition maximum were observed, suggesting comparable strength and fatigue across menstrual cycle phases. Conclusions: The observed post-exercise decline in glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens such as DHEA indicates a coordinated acute suppression of adrenal steroidogenesis in response to resistance training in female elite athletes. No differences in strength parameters were observed across menstrual cycle phases.
DOI: 10.48620/92955
Authors: Vollrath, Sabrina, Bitterlich, Norman, Lüdin, Dennis, Rothenbühler, Adrian, Hackney, Anthony C., Lorenzetti, Silvio R., Drewek, Anna, Achermann, Basil, du Toit, Therina, Stute, Petra
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7111117458
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: