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

Effects depend on the tissue depleted and the training task, and an amplified stress signal does not guarantee a better adaptation.

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.