Exercise-related medicine is throwing open many opportunities for further research, and developing our understanding of the human body. Amongst these, the endocrine aspects of various forms of exercise are being studied.

In this article, McCarthy et al. provide an overview of what is currently known and what further research is ongoing, while raising additional questions along the way. They also provide some interesting information regarding exercise in younger people, and variations with increasing age.

The review examines research evidence regarding endocrine changes in high-performing athletes, with relevance to encouraging patients to exercise safely. It discusses the adaptability of human endocrine-metabolic-physiological systems and the value of understanding maladaptation to physical training and nutrition, especially in the young. The authors also consider the use of physical activity in some endocrine conditions.

Read the full article in Clinical Endocrinology 96 781–792