Sex Differences in Physiology and Exercise

Flashcards of vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Stimulates anterior pituitary to produce luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Stimulates gonads to produce oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone

Testosterone

Anabolic, develops sexual characteristics, closes epiphyseal plates – later than in females, increased EPO = increased Hb

Oestrogen

Anabolic – protein and fat deposition, Develop sexual characteristics – role in reproduction, Increased osteoblast activity – BMD, Altered substrate utilisation, Fluid and electrolyte balance

Progesterone

Key roles in the menstrual cycle and reproduction, may relate to change in Tcore and fluid retention, altered substrate utilisation

Gonadotrophic hormones (FSH and LH)

When puberty hits, the anterior pituitary gland releases these hormones to stimulate ovaries/testes

Testosterone

Increases protein synthesis in males

CSA (cross sectional area)

Most important determinant of strenth

Females

Have a higher % fat mass due to hormones (predom oestrogen)

Males

Have android fat distribution

Females

Have gynoid fat distribution

Hormones (IGFI,GH, oestrogen and testosterone)

Encourages growth during puberty stabilises throughout adulthood

Oestrogen

Causes epiphyseal plates close earlier = shorter and weaker (~4%) bones

Testosterone

Stimulates EPO production

VO2 max (females)

Lower (~30%) than males, even when looking at relative values

RER (Respiratory exchange ratio)

Females of a similar training background tend to have a lower this when completing a fixed distance or time – particularly endurance, leading to a reliance on lipids for a glycogen sparing effect

Eumenorrhoea

Normal menses

Primary amenorrhoea

When menses hasn’t occurred by 16 years or secondary sexual characteristics aren’t present by 14 years

Secondary amenorrhoea

Absence of menses for > 3 consecutive months after onset of menarche

Oligomenorrhoea

Intermittent menses