Endocrine Aspects of Overtraining in Athletes - a systematic review.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inadequate recovery from intensive training can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. While sports training generally has positive effects on health, chronic stress resulting from overtraining can disrupt adrenal function and lead to hormonal imbalances. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, it likely involves a combination of immune, hormonal and metabolic disruptions. Aim of the study: This study aims to analyze the impact of overtraining on the endocrine system in athletes. Hormones affect both women’s health and athletic performance, influencing the menstrual cycle, menopause and exercise responses. While physical activity improves cardiovascular and metabolic health, intense training may disrupt hormonal balance. Factors like hormonal contraceptives, anabolic steroids or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also affect health and performance, requiring personalized approaches and further research. Materials and methods This article is based on a review of scientific literature from Pubmed and other databases, focusing primarily on studies published between 2020 and 2025. Keywords used include: “Endocrine function”, “Intensive training”, “Stress”, “Overtraining syndrome (OTS)”, “Functional Overreaching (FOR)”, and “Non-Functional Overreaching (NFOR)”. Discussion Hormonal balance is crucial for women’s health and athletic performance. Although physical activity, contraceptives and HRT can offer benefits, their impact must be tailored individually to minimize risks. Conclusions: Endocrine changes are central in OTS. Early recognition of endocrine disorders caused by overtraining is essential for prevention and treatment. This includes medical monitoring, proper nutrition, mental support, and personalized training. The crucial thing is collaboration between doctors, athletes and coaches. It also raises a broader question: is more training always better for health? Keywords: physical activity, hormones, women’s health, menstrual cycle, HRT, anabolic steroids, OTS