To assess changes of sex hormones, Cortisol, prolactin (PRL) and beta-endorphins in
an exhaustive aerobic performance, blood samples were taken in 11 endurance trained
runners (R) along an ultra-marathon race of 110 km (T1 before the start, T2 at km
33, T3 at km 75 and T4 immediately after completing the race). Results were compared
to a control group (C) who foil-lowed the race. Cortisol (p < 0.001) and beta-endorphins
(p = 0.009) showed a significant increase during the race without significant modification
after T2. Testosterone decreased along the race (p = 0.02). Luteinising hormone (LH)
was lower at the end of the race as compared to the start in the R. No modification
of PRL was noticed in the runners. Most of the modifications except for testosterone
were observed from the start to T2, even in exhaustive performance no further modification
was noticed from that point onwards.
Key words
Prolonged exercise - marathon - cortisol - testosterone - beta-endorphins - prolactin
- LH
