Naama Constantini . Anthony C. Hackney 2013 The preface to a book should give an account of its genesis. The first edition of the present publication, Sports Endocrinology (Michelle P. Warren and Naama Constantini, editors, 2000), offered one of the first incursions into a novel topic. It answered a recognized need and was well received by the scientific community. Since then 12 years have elapsed and certain changes (title of the book, editorship, authorship of new chapters) have imposed themselves. The focus of the work however has remained the same: an insightful discussion of the key elements of endocrinology as they relate to physical activity, exercise, and sport. Including essential topics such as endocrine assessment methodology, the study of endocrine systems that relate to exercise performance, growth, development, and health is among the issues explored—not least aspects of the practice of doping which continues to be an affront to all athletes who compete honestly. The editors are profoundly grateful to the contributors that have made this volume what it is. Their scholarship, scienti fi c devotion, and professionalism not only reflect the present state of knowledge but will undoubtedly serve as a stimulus for further advances in a constantly challenging subject…