The condition of endocrine system in young men athletes

Aim: to determine the functioning peculiarities of endocrine system of young men athletes. Material and methods. The were examined 84 athletes and 70 cadets of the Marine Academy. The check-up included the following procedures: the ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, the assessment of hormonal status (determination of concentrations in serum prolactin, cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxin, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase). Results. It was established that athletes comparing with people not involved in sports, had significantly higher concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone, and lower concentrations of cortisol, free thyroxin. In athletes it was revealed a positive correlation between the levels of cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxin and prolactin in serum. Conclusion. High TSH level and relatively low values of cortisol can be considered as indicators of the higher performance of an athlete and be regarded as a reflection of optimal adaptation of the pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal systems to systematic high physical loads.