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Decreased serum levels of oestradiol, testosterone and prolactin during prolonged physical strain and sleep deprivation, and the influence of a high calory diet

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Summary

The changes in oestradiol, testosterone and prolactin, and the effects of a high calory diet, were investigated in eleven young male cadets participating in a 5 days' ranger training course involving heavy and continuous physical activities with less than 1500 kcal·day−1 and almost without sleep.

Prolactin decreased continuously during the first 24 h to 25% of precourse values. Testosterone decreased during the day time and reached below 25% of precourse values after 48 h. Oestradiol did not change during the first 48 h but then decreased to about 50% of precourse values. In conclusion, oestradiol, testosterone and prolactin are strongly reduced during prolonged strain. These changes were not reversed by a high calory diet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division for Toxicology, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, N-2007, Kjeller, Norway

    Per Kristian Opstad

  2. Hormone and Isotope Laboratory, Aker Hospital, Oslo, Norway

    AsbjØrn Aakvaag

Authors
  1. Per Kristian Opstad
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  2. AsbjØrn Aakvaag
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Opstad, P.K., Aakvaag, A. Decreased serum levels of oestradiol, testosterone and prolactin during prolonged physical strain and sleep deprivation, and the influence of a high calory diet. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 49, 343–348 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441295

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441295

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