GLOSSARY

Acute responses and adaptation

Hormonal responses depend on intensity, duration, training status, fueling, hydration and biological timing. Plasma-volume shifts can change concentrations. Acute release, clearance and tissue sensitivity must be separated before a response is interpreted as altered gland function.

Specific considerations

A temporary increase is part of an integrated physiological response and does not by itself establish excessive training stress or pathological cortisol excess.

Track functional outcomes

Training adaptation is assessed through performance, tolerance and recovery over time. A brief anabolic-hormone peak or a ratio of two hormones cannot independently establish later hypertrophy, overtraining or readiness. Persistent changes should be interpreted with symptoms and health context.