Acute Adrenal Suppression Following Resistance Training in Elite Female Athletes: A Comprehensive Steroid Profile

Aim: This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate acute adrenal-derived hormonal responses and training performance in elite female athletes during resistance training with respect to the female cycle. Methods: In 19 elite female athletes, acute hormonal responses to resistance training were examined over four weeks, measured before and 60 min after exercise. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry provided a comprehensive steroid profile, including classical and adrenal-specific 11-oxygenated androgens. Performance metrics were tracked using a velocity-based training method. Results: Sixty minutes after resistance training, significant acute changes in steroid hormone concentrations were observed. Levels of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) (−0.707 nmol/L; p = 0.012, −20.0%), androsterone (−0.201 nmol/L; p = 0.049, −14.8%), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (−3.813 nmol/L; p = 0.006, −17.1%) decreased significantly. The total sum of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and bioactive androgens decreased. No significant differences in absolute or relative velocity loss and estimated one-repetition maximum were observed, suggesting comparable strength and fatigue across menstrual cycle phases. Conclusions: The observed post-exercise decline in glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens such as DHEA indicates a coordinated acute suppression of adrenal steroidogenesis in response to resistance training in female elite athletes. No differences in strength parameters were observed across menstrual cycle phases.