How Does Physical Activity Modulate Hormone Responses?

Alessandro Gentile, Nadia Tinto, Clara Crescioli, Cristina Mennitti, Barbara Lombardo, Daniela Terracciano, Valeria D'Argenio, Olga Scudiero, Giulia Frisso, Gabriele Farina, Antonio Imperatore, Giulia De Fonzo, Evelina La Civita, Gianluigi Carbone, Rosa Redenta De Simone, Maria Rosaria Di Iorio

Journal: Biomolecules 2024;14(11):

PMID: 39595594

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Abstract

Physical activity highly impacts the neuroendocrine system and hormonal secretion. Numerous variables, both those related to the individual, including genetics, age, sex, biological rhythms, nutritional status, level of training, intake of drugs or supplements, and previous or current pathologies, and those related to the physical activity in terms of type, intensity, and duration of exercise, or environmental conditions can shape the hormonal response to physical exercise. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of physical exercise on hormonal levels in the human body, focusing on changes in concentrations of hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, and insulin in response to different types and intensities of physical activity. Regular monitoring of hormonal responses in athletes could be a potential tool to design individual training programs and prevent overtraining syndrome.

Address: Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.; Department of Human Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico" Piazza L. de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy.; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy.; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.; Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy.; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy.

DOI: 10.3390/biom14111418

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Exercise, Testosterone, Insulin, Hormones, Hydrocortisone