Girls and women are becoming increasingly involved in sports and athletics, following tough training regimens and rigid diets. Runners, in particular, often undergo challenging running programs, and sometimes such rigid training can affect a woman’s health, particularly through menstrual disruption. "Amenorrhea" is the medical term for a woman of childbearing age who has experienced the loss of her period for at least three to six months, which can contribute to long-term health problems.
Causes
According to the George Reproductive Specialists, 1 to 44 percent of athletes experience exercise-induced amenorrhea, particularly long distance runners and ballet dancers. The lack of a menstrual cycle from running can be due, in part, to a number of different factors. One theory suggests that having a body fat percentage of under 12 percent can disrupt regular menses. Another possible explanation is that energy drain from excessive exercise and restricted calorie intake may cause endocrine abnormalities leading to hormone problems and menstrual disturbance. Psychological and physical stress on the body may also influence normal menses by producing high amounts of hormones, such as cortical, that can affect hypothalamus function and other normal female hormone secretion.
Female Athlete Triad
Female runners who experience amenorrhea may be suffering from a more complex condition, known as the Female Athlete Triad. This health condition is typically brought on when female athletes feel pressured or expected to maintain a certain body weight or physique. Long-term disordered eating, poor nutrition and inadequate energy consumption lead to amenorrhea and brittle bones. Symptoms of the Triad include three or more missed periods, recurring stress fractures, a restricted eating pattern and excessive exercise.
Treatment and Prevention
After making necessary adjustments to running regimens and getting adequate calorie and nutrition intake, most female runners will begin to experience regular menstrual cycles again. It is important to strive for a balance in your diet, exercise regimen, daily activity and rest. Keep a menstrual journal and take note if you observe major changes or abnormalities in your menstrual cycle.
Dangers
While some women may deem amenorrhea as a positive side effect of running, it can actually cause a number of long-term health problems. The loss of estrogen production can affect the amount of calcium uptake in the body, causing bone frailty and the bone disease osteoporosis. Amenorrhea can also factor into infertility and child-conception problems. Any female athlete who experiences irregular periods or stops menstruating all together should speak with a doctor.
