specific phases of both types of cycle are compared. Therefore, the hormonal profile of the athlete should be considered in the diagnosis of iron deficiency and in the evaluation of serum markers of iron homeostasis, such as iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. However, for the estimation of body iron stores through serum ferritin, it would not be necessary to consider the hormonal profile of the athlete. Finally, postmenopause seems to delay the recovery of basal hepcidin levels after a single session of interval running exercise, as this population presented significantly elevated hepcidin levels 24 hours after the endurance protocol.