The Impact of Training on Anabolic Hormones!

The Impact Of Training on the Hormones Of Special Operations Soldiers With Possible Applications to Tactical LE

Some interesting research going on at locals such as Natick Army Labs looking at the effects of Stress, training, lack of sleep, and or reduced calories and their effects on hormones. After identifying which hormones take a nose dive in response to high levels of stress, etc and which are correlated to performance, there may be an effort to alter/maintain those hormones which could allow SOF/Tactical LE to extend/improve their performance operationally speaking. Nutritional interventions are being examined (some of which I covered in my articles here) as well as other possible interventions that could be of considerable benefit to members of the military and law enforcement community, specifically - but not limited to - SOF and Tactical LE.

Brink Bottom Line: The intensity, volume, and type of exercise people do can have profound effects on their hormones. Additionally, total calories, macro nutrients, micro nutrients, and other dietary variables, such as total protein, can also effect hormones. Add to that high levels of stress, and other factors unique to soldiers and LE, and it's clear hormonal changes - which can negatively impact performance, health, and operational longevity - are a given. Recent research aims to see which hormones, under what conditions, etc, and how they may impact the war fighter, with possible applications to other groups, such as tactical LE. Clearly, focusing on good nutritional practices, the possible use of specific supplements, avoiding over training/OTS, managing stress, and other variables, can go a long way to avoiding these issues for athletes, military, and everyday people looking to maintain healthy optimal levels of important hormones.

One hormone that seems to be of particular interest is IGF-1, which "... is a biomarker that may have greater utility than other conventional biomarkers in assessing nutritional, health, and fitness status" of SOF soldiers."

A few study abstracts of interest with more essential info can be here for more info:
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