ABSTRACT
The chronic hypoxia of altitude has an effect on many endocrine systems. Among those most studied are hormones that affect the salt and water balance of the body and are involved in cardiovascular function. Exercise affects many hormonal systems and is an important activity at altitude; both altitude and exercise, therefore, need to be considered. The possible role of certain hormones in the mechanism of acute mountain sickness (AMS) has to be addressed by comparing levels in subjects with and without AMS.
