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What hormone increases after exercise?

Published in Exercise Physiology 2 mins read

Several hormones increase after exercise, including cortisol, prolactin, growth hormone, and testosterone. However, luteinizing hormone (LH) typically increases after a period of rest following exercise.

While the immediate hormonal response to exercise involves an increase in hormones like cortisol (stress hormone), prolactin (related to immune function and metabolism), growth hormone (muscle growth and repair), and testosterone (muscle growth and sex drive), the increase in luteinizing hormone is usually observed in the recovery phase, i.e., after rest.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Immediate Response (During Exercise):

    • Cortisol: Increases to mobilize energy stores.
    • Prolactin: Increases due to stress and metabolic demands.
    • Growth Hormone: Increases to stimulate muscle growth and repair.
    • Testosterone: May increase, especially with resistance exercise.
  • Delayed Response (After Rest/Recovery):

    • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): May increase after exercise, influencing the production of testosterone in males and ovulation in females. The timing and magnitude of this increase can depend on the intensity and duration of exercise, individual fitness levels, and nutritional status. It is also worth noting that the rise of luteinizing hormone becomes evident after rest.

The increase in LH after exercise, during the rest period, contributes to hormonal balance and recovery processes. The hormonal response to exercise is complex and influenced by numerous factors, making it challenging to pinpoint a single hormone that only increases after exercise. But, based on the provided reference, a rise in luteinizing hormone becomes evident only after rest.

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