Endocrine dynamics of special operations forces across mission cycles: implications for human stress physiology.
Kraemer WJ, Stephenson MD, Volek JS, Szivak TK, Saenz C, Flanagen SD et al. · European journal of applied physiology · 2026
Purpose: This study investigates the endocrine responses and muscle damage markers in elite male Special Operations Force operators across operational phases to understand hormonal adaptations to extreme operational stress and recovery.
Methods: Fifty-six operators (28-42 years) participated in a longitudinal study conducted at a Special Operations Forces unit. Blood samples were collected at three visits: Visit 1 (baseline recovery), Visit 2 (intensive pre-deployment training), and Visit 3 (post-deployment recovery). Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), cortisol (CORT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), progesterone (P4), creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin (Mb) were analyzed.
Results: Post-deployment (Visit 3), T levels increased (+ 20%, p
Conclusion: These
Findings: emphasize the importance of tailored training and recovery strategies for sustaining endocrine balance, resilience, and operational readiness in elite military personnel.