Hormones can be pretty controversial things, especially when you consider that everyone has them. Our bodies wouldn’t work at all without hormones. The problem is that when they can cause such dramatic differences in performance, they also become part of ongoing debates about fairness, doping and how we make sure every athlete is playing on the same field.
Some people have naturally higher levels of certain hormones, which may make it easier for them to build and maintain muscle mass, or to improve their endurance. Others may have hormone deficiencies that cause weakness and fatigue. If they want to put on the best sports performance, they need to boost those hormones.
The hormones in question include testosterone, growth hormone (GH), progesterone, adrenaline, cortisol and thyroid hormones. They’re produced by different glands and affect different parts of the body. Some impact strength, speed or recovery time. Things like heart rate, lung capacity and bone density can all be affected. From childhood to adulthood, hormones control how your body grows and changes, helping to direct its eventual size and strength.
It’s not just the physical side that’s important. Hormones affect how we react to stress. They can impact our concentration, mood and memory. If you want to be able to focus, create and follow a training program, or approach any sports event with the right kind of mindset, having the proper balance of hormones is invaluable.
If you want to be able to put on the best sports performance, you need to understand your own body. That includes the many hormones churning about that may influence your reactions. Sometimes blood tests to identify certain hormone levels may point out particular areas of strength or weakness. Even if you don’t know the exact levels, they still need to be something you consider when assessing yourself.
Of course, hormones aren’t the be-all and end-all of sports performance. They may make your training more effective, but they’re not a substitute for training. You’re still the one who decides what you do and how you react. They also can’t give you funding or equipment. If there’s one thing we know about sports performance, it’s that it’s a complex matter where many factors come into play.
If you’re wondering why your body won’t do exactly what you want it to do, it may be worth considering your hormones.
