Dietary recommendations and athletic menstrual dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction is prevalent in active women, affecting health and performance.
• This dysfunction, including amenorrhea, involves suppressed estrogen, impacting bone health and fertility.
• Contributing factors include energy balance, training load, body composition, disordered eating, and stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors contributing to athletic menstrual dysfunction.
• To discuss proposed mechanisms like the energy-drain and exercise-intensity hypotheses.
• To provide nutritional recommendations for reversing menstrual dysfunction and maintaining athlete health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of factors influencing athletic menstrual dysfunction.
• Discussion of energy balance, exercise intensity, and dietary components.
• Analysis of nutritional deficiencies and their impact on bone health, energy, and muscle.

Main Results:

• Poor energy intake and food selection are common, leading to deficiencies in protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids.
• Key micronutrient deficiencies include calcium, B vitamins, iron, and zinc, crucial for bone health and energy production.
• Improved energy balance is a primary factor in reversing menstrual dysfunction and restoring reproductive function.

Conclusions:

• Addressing energy drain through improved energy balance is critical for reversing athletic menstrual dysfunction.
• Adequate intake of bone-building nutrients, iron, zinc, and B vitamins is essential for female athletes.
• Screening for disordered eating and providing appropriate nutritional guidance are vital for athlete health and performance.