Hormones, Hypertrophy, and Hype: An Evidence-Guided Primer on Endogenous Endocrine Influences on Exercise-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2024 Oct 1;52(4):117-125. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000346. Epub 2024 Aug 1.

Abstract

We review the evidence indicating that endogenous changes in these hormones, including testosterone, growth hormone, insulin growth factor-1, and estrogen, and their proposed anabolic effects contribute to and augment resistance exercise training (RET)-induced hypertrophy. Additionally, we provide recommendations for gold-standard methodological rigor to establish best practices for verifying menstrual phases as part of their research, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the impact of ovarian hormones on RET-induced adaptations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Estrogens*
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I* / metabolism
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / metabolism
  • Resistance Training* / methods
  • Testosterone* / blood

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Estrogens
  • Testosterone
  • Growth Hormone