There is more to the sport of bodybuilding than just lifting weights and posing. The endocrine system plays a vital role in how bodybuilders obtain their final appearance. The adrenal cortex secretes many different steroid hormones that regulate such things as electrolyte balance, blood pressure, metabolism and immune function which all play a role in bodybuilding.
Adrenal Cortex
The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, secrete hormones that are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary glad. The adrenal cortex is located on the outer portion of the adrenal glands. Its function is to release more than 30 different steroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, chemicals in the blood and certain sex hormones. These steroid hormones, called corticosteroids, are classified into three major types mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and gonadocorticoids. Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids play a predominant role in bodybuilding.
Hydration
The adrenal cortex secrets the hormone aldosterone to help prevent dehydration from occurring. Aldosterone is the major mineralocorticoid steroid that is responsible for the re-absorption of sodium in the kidneys. Aldosterone works to retain sodium in order to prevent dehydration from occurring. In bodybuilding, athletes often attempt to lose any excess water retention prior to competition. However, trying to lose too much excess water weight can result in severe dehydration, which is hard on the kidneys and other organs and could result in severe medical problems.
Metabolism
Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is the major glucocorticoid steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol plays a key role in glucose metabolism, fat metabolism and in muscle repair. Cortisol accelerates lipolysis, releasing free fatty acids into the blood, so they can be taken up by the cells and used for energy production, according to Jack H. Wilmore and David L. Costill, authors of Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Cortisol enables the bodybuilder to repair and build muscle tissue and burn excess body fat.
Anti-Inflammatory
Corticosterone is another glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. This hormone, together with hydro-cortisone hormones, suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body and also affects the immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The anti-inflammatory hormone is essential in bodybuilding for training purposes, when it is necessary for a fast recovery from intense weightlifting sessions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endocrinology Health Guide
- "Physiology of Sport and Exercise;" Jack H. Wilmore & David L. Costill; 2004
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