부산대학교 도서관

Purpose: Age-related changes in thyroid function are well-investigated. Likewise, influences of physical activity on the thyroid gland could be determined. Studies that investigated the influence of (endurance) training on thyroid function in postmenopausal women do not exist. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate age-related changes in thyroid function during acute endurance training and through an exercise intervention in postmenopausal women and to identify differences to premenopausal women.Methods: 12 pre- and 12 postmenopausal women were included. In all subjects, height, weight, and body composition were assessed. TSH, fT4, and fT3 were assessed at 9:00 am and 9:40 am at rest and after an acute endurance exercise. Subsequently the postmenopausal women conducted a six-week walking intervention and repeated the tests.Results: Weight, BMI, and muscle mass were significantly lower and fat mass significantly higher in postmenopausal women (p < 0.05). Fat mass decreased and muscle mass increased (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal women after intervention. An elevated TSH response was found significantly in premenopausal women (p = 0.028) and non-significantly in postmenopausal women (p = 0.135) after acute exercise. There were no changes in fT3 and fT4 in both groups. After intervention, postmenopausal women showed a significant reduction in fT3 response (p =0.015) and a non-significant reduction of TSH response (p = 0.432).Conclusion: This study provides evidence that both pre- and postmenopausal women respond with thyroid stimulation to acute endurance training. Furthermore, this study provides preliminary evidence that an endurance training intervention can reduce thyroid response after acute endurance exercise in postmenopausal women.