Gender Issues in Exercise Physiology

Question 1

Hormonal Difference: Testosterone
* Testosterone
– Males: testes (95%), adrenal (5%)
– Females: ovaries, adrenal cortex and small amounts in adipose tissue

• Biosynthesis
  – Initiated by ___________ in hypothalamus
  – __________ & _____________ released from Pituitary activate genes inside testicular_________ Cells to produce testosterone

Answer 1

GnRH

FSH & LH

Leydig

Question 2

Hormonal Difference: Estrogen
* Estrogen is a group of hormones
* Stimulates fat deposition
* Regulates cholesterol production in liver
* Prevents bone loss * Biosynthesis
– FSH acts on genes within the __________ of ovaries to produce estrogen
* Small amounts from adrenal and adipocytes
* Menopause
– Significant reduction in Estrogen production

Answer 2

Granulosa cells

Question 3

Average Testosterone Levels
– Females: 3.1 nmol/L
* (99%belowthisvalue)
– Males: 35 nmol/L

• Must suppress blood testosterone level below ____________ for a continuous period of at least 12 months
  and
• maintain blood testosterone level below ___________continuously (in competition or out of competition) for so long as she wishes to
  Different Sport Organizations currently have different policies
  remain eligible.

Answer 3

10 nmol/L

Question 4

Male/female muscle tissue
_______ same(IS the or IS NOT the)

Answer 4

Is the

Question 5

Cardiovascular/Respiratory
* Similar__________ increases(obv anatomy is different)

Answer 5

relative

Question 6

Metabolic
* Females obtain a greater percentage of energy from ____________
– Why? (glycogen vs adipose tissue)
* Smaller gender gap in longer moderate intensity aerobic type activities

Answer 6

fatty acids

Question 7

Altered sperm morphology in __________ cyclists
– Normalizes when training slows/stops

Answer 7

‘elite’

Question 8

Briefly identify and explain an activity females may have a physiologic benefit in compared to males?

Answer 8

flexibility?
quick bursts?

Question 9

Briefly explain why in general, females sweat less than males?

Answer 9

Sweat gland sensitivity is different in males vs females

Less body water composition in females –> could be mass
- more importantly –> Body fat percentage –> females have more naturally, therefore fat tissue has less water in it

Question 10

Explain why both men and women experience similar early strength training gains but men’s gains soon increase above those of the females?

Answer 10

Both men and women experience similar early strength training gains due to similar neuromuscular adaptations, such as increased motor unit recruitment, improved coordination, and enhanced muscle fiber activation. However, men’s gains often surpass those of females over time due to several physiological differences between the sexes:

Hormonal Differences:
Testosterone, a hormone primarily produced in the testes in men (and to a lesser extent in women’s ovaries and adrenal glands), plays a significant role in muscle protein synthesis, anabolism, and muscle repair.
Explanation: Men generally have higher baseline levels of testosterone compared to women, providing them with a greater capacity for muscle growth and strength development. As men continue strength training, the anabolic effects of testosterone contribute to ongoing muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, surpassing the gains observed in women.

Fat Distribution and Body Composition:
Women typically have a higher proportion of body fat and a lower proportion of lean muscle mass compared to men. Body fat distribution also differs between the sexes, with women tending to store more fat subcutaneously (under the skin) and men storing more fat viscerally (around internal organs).
Explanation: Higher levels of body fat in women can limit the visibility of muscle definition and obscure strength gains, leading to a perception of slower progress. Additionally, differences in fat distribution may affect biomechanics and leverage during strength exercises, potentially influencing the rate of strength gains.