Female Reproductive, Adrenal, and Metabolic Changes during an Antarctic Traverse

PURPOSE To explore the effects of the first all-female transantarctic expedition on hormonal axes pertinent to reproductive and metabolic function. METHODS Six females (aged 28-36, BMI 24.2 ±0.97 kgm-2) hauled 80kg sledges 1700km in 61 days. Estimated average energy intake was 20.8 ± 0.103 MJ/day (4970 ±25 kcal/day). Whole and regional body composition was measured by DXA one and two months before and 15 days after, the expedition. Body fat was also estimated by skinfold and bioimpedance immediately before and after the expedition. Basal metabolic and endocrine blood markers and, after 0.25 mg dexamethasone suppression, 1-hour 10 μg Gonadorelin and 1.0 μg ACTH-(1-24) tests were completed, 39-38 days pre- and 4-5 and 15-16 days post-expedition. Cortisol was assessed in hair (monthly average concentrations) and saliva (5-point day curves and two-point diurnal sampling). RESULTS Average body mass loss was 9.37 ±2.31 kg (p

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