Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1948

Background: Energy drink consumption among adolescents has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about its potential effects on hormonal balance and overall health. These beverages, typically high in caffeine and sugar, can disrupt crucial hormonal processes during adolescence—a critical period for growth, reproductive development, and maturation. This review examines the effects of energy drinks on cortisol, melatonin, insulin, growth hormone (GH), testosterone, and reproductive function.

Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the hormonal disruptions caused by energy drinks in adolescents and to discuss the implications of these disruptions on adolescent growth, reproductive health, and stress regulation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted. Articles were selected based on their focus on energy drink consumption and its impact on hormonal regulation in adolescents. Studies were reviewed for their methodology, participant demographics, and reported outcomes.

Results: Adolescents consuming energy drinks are at risk of significant hormonal imbalances that may impair growth, stress regulation, and reproductive health. Excessive caffeine intake elevates cortisol levels, leading to increased stress and potential suppression of reproductive hormones. Caffeine delays melatonin production, disrupting sleep-wake cycles and reducing sleep quality. High sugar content impairs insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Poor sleep quality suppresses GH secretion, critical for linear growth and puberty-related growth spurts. Elevated cortisol and disrupted sleep patterns may suppress testosterone production, delaying puberty in boys. Energy drinks’ high caffeine and sugar content may reduce sperm motility and count by increasing oxidative stress..

Conclusion: Energy drinks can disrupt hormonal balance in adolescents, affecting cortisol, melatonin, testosterone, and reproductive function. Limiting intake and educating adolescents and parents about these risks is critical to supporting healthy growth and development.