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Cited by 22Thermoregulation and physiological responsesExercise and Physiological ResponsesStress Responses and Cortisol

Endocrine Effects of Repeated Hot Thermal Stress and Cold Water Immersion in Young Adult Men

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Podstawski, Robert, Borysławski, Krzysztof, Pomianowski, Andrzej, Krystkiewicz, Wioletta, Żurek, Piotr·2021·American Journal of Men's Health
DOI 10.1177/15579883211008339PMC PMC8047510
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of repeated hot thermal stress and cold water immersion on the endocrine system of young adult men with moderate and high levels of physical activity (PA). The research was conducted on 30 men aged 19–26 years (mean: 22.67 ± 2.02) who attended four sauna sessions of 12 min each (temperature: 90−91°C; relative humidity: 14–16 %). Each sauna session was followed by a 6-min cool-down break during which the participants were immersed in cold water (10−11°C) for 1 min. Testosterone (TES), cortisol (COR), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and prolactin (PRL) levels were measured before and after the sauna bath. The participants’ PA levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Serum COR levels decreased significantly ( p < .001) from 13.61 to 9.67 µg/ml during 72 min of sauna treatment. No significant changes ( p >.05) were noted in the concentrations of the remaining hormones: TES increased from 4.04 to 4.24 ng/ml, DHEA-S decreased from 357.5 to 356.82 µg/ml, and PRL decreased from 14.50 to 13.71 ng/ml. After sauna, a greater decrease in COR concentrations was observed in males with higher baseline COR levels, whereas only a minor decrease was noted in participants with very low baseline COR values ( r =−0.673, p <.001). Repeated use of Finnish sauna induces a significant decrease in COR concentrations, but does not cause significant changes in TES, DHEA-S, or PRL levels. Testosterone concentrations were higher in men characterized by higher levels of PA, both before and after the sauna bath.

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  • The effect of sauna on testosterone was not consistent and was often quickly reversible.

    “yet this effect was not consistent and often quickly reversible.[13][14][15][16]”

    From A systematic appraisal of emerging alternative therapies in men’s health and wellness (2025) · cites this paper as [15]

    The Discussion (page unavailable) reports mixed findings: two cited studies found no change in testosterone during sauna bathing, while another found changes in testosterone secretion. The paper’s own results found no significant testosterone change before versus after sauna, but it does not establish that any change was quickly reversible; it measured no subsequent return to baseline. (LLM, conf=0.87)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The negative impact of sauna on sperm parameters was reversible, with return to normal values after 10-12 weeks from sauna exposure.

    “However, the negative impact on sperm parameters was reversible with a return to normal values after 10-12 weeks from sauna exposure.15,[18][19][20]”

    From A systematic appraisal of emerging alternative therapies in men’s health and wellness (2025) · cites this paper as [15]

    The Abstract reports hormone measurements before and after sauna, not sperm parameters or follow-up recovery. A search for sperm quality, reversibility, and a 10–12-week recovery period found no supporting passage in our copy. The Discussion’s statement about evidence on male fertility does not establish the claimed sperm-parameter timeline. (LLM, conf=0.76)

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Podstawski, R., Borysławski, K., Pomianowski, A., Krystkiewicz, W., & Żurek, P.
Affiliations
  • University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (PL)
  • Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (PL)
  • Prof, Department of Physical Education in Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
Corresponding author
Podstawski, Robert
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Men's Health
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2021-03
Volume
15
Issue
2
Pages
15579883211008339-15579883211008339
ISSN
  • 1557-9883 (ISSN-L)
  • 1557-9891
DOI
10.1177/15579883211008339
PMC
PMC8047510
OpenAlex
W3155927930
Cited by
22
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2
FWCI
1.73
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • American Journal of Men s Health (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
University of Warmia and Mazury
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
Keywords
Finnish sauna, cold water immersion, cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, endocrine response, physical activity level, young men
MeSH terms
Cold Temperature, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Immersion, Male, Water, Steam Bath, Young Adult

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