Reproductive and metabolic adaptation to multistressor training in women

Authors :: Julie P. Greeves
David R. Woods
Robert M. Gifford
Thomas J. O'Leary
Sophie L. Wardle
Rebecca L. Double
Natalie Z.M. Homer
Rebecca M. Reynolds
A. Forbes Howie
Richard A. Anderson
Source :: Gifford, R M, O'Leary, T J, Ward, S L, Double, R L, Homer, N Z M, Howie, A F, Greeves, J P, Anderson, R A, Woods, D R & Reynolds, R M 2021, ' Reproductive and metabolic adaptation to multi-stressor training in women ', AJP-Endocrinology and Metabolism . https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00019.2021
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis suppression in exercising women can be caused by low energy availability (EA) but the impact of a real-world, multi-stressor training environment on reproductive and metabolic function is unknown. This study aimed to characterize reproductive and metabolic adaptation in women undertaking basic military training. Design: Prospective cohort study in women undertaking 11-month initial military training (n=47). Dynamic low dose 1-hour GnRH tests were completed after 0 and 7 months of training. Urine progesterone was sampled weekly throughout. Body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry), fasting insulin resistance (homeostatic modelling assessment 2, HOMA2), leptin, sex steroids, AMH and inhibin B were measured after 0, 7 and 11 months with an additional assessment of body composition at 3 months. Results: LH and FSH responses were suppressed after 7 months (both p