There are more female endurance athletes than ever before, according to Salvator J. Tirrito, M.D. Women may use less glycogen and more fat than men in longer, lower intensity exercise, which possibly gives them an advantage over men in these types of events. However, despite the health benefits of being an endurance athlete, you may face some health problems like issues with menstrual periods.
Female Athlete Triad
Most girls and women who play sports and are endurance athletes have normal periods. Some who train intensely suffer from a complete loss of menstruation or infrequent periods. "Female athlete triad" is a term used to refer to a combination of inadequate nutrition, absence of menstruation -- or amenorrhea -- and low bone mass. Tirrito indicates that all three of these problems are related to low caloric intake and malnutrition. Those suffering from the female athlete triad also experience fatigue, weight loss and an increase in injuries.
Treatment
A physical evaluation helps a doctor to diagnose female athlete triad. You might have blood tests to check for anemia and evidence of poor nutrition, which can lead to problems with menstrual periods. Your bone density also might be evaluated, because nutritional problems and amenorrhea can lead to bone problems during your athletic career and later in life. The doctor might also checks for medical problems that can explain your symptoms.
To help endurance athlete suffering with female athlete triad, doctors often work with coaches, parents, dietitians and other specialists. Nutritional enhancement and a less rigorous training regimen should encourage a return of your menstrual periods and diminish the risk of long-term health effects.
Prevention
If you are a female endurance athlete, give your body plenty of energy for your activities. Eat a healthy diet with enough calories for your training and athletic events. A doctor, coach or dietician can help you determine an adequate caloric intake. Eating healthily and consuming enough calories for your size and level of activity should decease your risk of experiencing amenorrhea. If you are missing menstrual periods and developing more injuries, see your doctor.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Being an endurance athlete can cause amenorrhea or changes in your menstrual periods if you train too intensely, but exercise can also be helpful. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, regular aerobic activity can decrease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Whether you run, bicycle or swim as an endurance athlete, the activity done regularly can reduce fatigue and depression. You don't need to exercise excessively to achieve this benefit. The ACOG recommends aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, seven days a week.
References
- Coach Troy Jacobson: Performance Training Services; Salvatore J. Tirrito, M.D., F.A.C.C.;
- Center for Young Women's Health; Sports and Menstrual Periods: The Female Athlete Triad; May 2010
- TeensHealth; Female Athlete Triad; February 2010
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Premenstrual Syndrome; March 2010
