Body Mass Index and Menstrual Patterns in Dancers

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Dance Science

Background:

• Female dancers face unique physiological demands.
• Menstrual irregularities and delayed menarche can impact bone health in athletes.
• Understanding factors influencing menarche is crucial for dancer well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and menstrual patterns in female dancers aged 12-17 years.
• To determine the prevalence of irregular menses and its characteristics in this cohort.
• To explore the association between BMI and the age of first menstruation (menarche).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 105 female dancers (mean age 14.8 years) completed questionnaires.
• Data collected included age, BMI, age of first menses, and menstrual cycle regularity.
• Statistical analysis, including linear regression, was used to assess correlations.

Main Results:

• Mean BMI was 19.5 kg/m², with 92% in the healthy weight range.
• The mean age of first menses was 12.9 years.
• A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and age of first menses (P = .021), with lower BMI linked to later menarche. 44% reported irregular menses, and 36% experienced amenorrhea during intense training periods.

Conclusions:

• Lower body mass index is associated with a later age of menarche in young female dancers.
• The findings underscore the importance of monitoring BMI and menstrual function in dancers due to potential impacts on hormonal health and bone density.
• Further research is recommended to understand the long-term implications for bone health.