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Preserved autonomic function in amenorrheic athletes.
Megan M Wenner1, Allen V Prettyman, Raelene E Maser
1Department of Health, Nutrition, and Excercise Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|May 20, 2006
Summary
Amenorrheic athletes (AA) show normal autonomic cardiovascular regulation and orthostatic responses compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA). This study found no significant impairment in autonomic function in female athletes with absent menstrual cycles.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Reproductive hormones like estradiol and progesterone impact autonomic cardiovascular control.
- Amenorrheic athletes (AA) may experience altered physiological states compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if amenorrheic athletes (AA) exhibit impaired autonomic cardiovascular regulation compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA).
- To assess autonomic function in athletes using oral contraceptives (EA-OC) as a comparison group.
Main Methods:
- Assessed respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) via Valsalva maneuver (phase II and IV), and a spontaneous BRS index.
- Evaluated heart rate and blood pressure responses to orthostatic stress (head-up tilt).
- Compared three groups: AA (n=13), EA (n=13), and EA-OC (n=9).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in RSA or spontaneous BRS among the groups.
- Phase II Valsalva BRS did not differ between AA, EA, and EA-OC groups.
- A significant difference in phase IV Valsalva BRS was observed (P=0.04), with EA-OC showing higher BRS than EA.
- Orthostatic stress responses were similar across all athlete groups.
Conclusions:
- Amenorrheic athletes do not demonstrate impaired autonomic function or orthostatic responses compared to eumenorrheic athletes or those on oral contraceptives.
- Autonomic cardiovascular regulation appears preserved in female athletes experiencing amenorrhea.