A very recent discovery claims that kickboxing, one of the most enjoyed sports, can disturb the balance of hormone level in the body.  Head injuries caused by kickboxing damages the pituitary gland found at the base of the brain. This condition is called hypopituitarism.

Hypopituitarism is common among kickboxers because in this sport the injury often happens to the head. The pituitary gland secretes a number of hormones that regulates the body’s metabolism, stress response, sex drive and general wellbeing of the body. Because of the injury, the pituitary gland gets damaged and results in insufficient hormone production. 

In a study conducted in Turkey, the hormone levels of 22 amateur kickboxers were measured and compared to the non-boxers. It was found that six of the kickboxers were deficient in at least one hormone when compared to the healthy group.