Variation of the pituitary gonadal axis hormones in highly trained male athletes

Abstract EN

Serum pituitary gonadal axis hormones (testosterone, prolactin, FSH and LH) were studied in 27 highly trained Egyptian male athletes (boxers) and non athletic control group.

Statistical analysis of the result revealed a significant decrease of serum testosterone and FSH in athletes compared to control group, whereas a significant increase of serum prolactin and LI1 was observed in athletes.

The low levels of serum testosterone in athletes might be attributed to decreased rate of synthesis and increased metabolic clearance by the liver.

The increased serum prolactin may be due to central inhibition of the hypothalamic release inhibiting hormone resulting from depletion of dopamine, where as, LH and FSH changes are most probably related to an altered mechanism of the hypothalamic control of gonadotrophin release.