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 concentr ations of androgenic and catabolic steroids, growth hormone, insulin-l ike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin with corresponding values in 1 5 matched sedentary controls. Higher cortisol and lower levels sex hor mone-binding globulin (SHBG) were found in the athletes, and these dif ferences 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 insu lin. The results indicate a normal anabolic activity in oligoamenorrho ic athletes, but due to their distinct hypercortisolism, the anabolic/ catabolic hormone balance is changed to a predominantly catabolic stat e.