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Body composition and menstrual function in athletes.

W E Sinning, K D Little

    Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary
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    The critical fat theory for menstrual dysfunction in athletes is not supported by current research. Intense training in lean athletes may lead to bone loss and stress fractures.

    Area of Science:

    • Sports Medicine
    • Endocrinology
    • Exercise Physiology

    Background:

    • The critical fat theory proposed specific body fat percentages necessary for menstrual function in athletes.
    • This theory was plausible due to the leanness of athletes with menstrual dysfunction and adipose tissue's hormonal role.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the critical fat theory regarding menstrual dysfunction in athletes.
    • To investigate the impact of body composition and intense training on female athletes' hormonal and bone health.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of research methodologies, including surveys and body composition assessments.
    • Analysis of studies using appropriate body composition measures and hormonal data.

    Main Results:

    Related Experiment Videos

    • Studies with accurate body composition measures do not support the critical fat theory.
    • Menstrual dysfunction is common in lean athletes, but not absolute; increasing weight may not resolve it.
    • Very lean, long-term amenorrheic athletes exhibit bone mineral loss linked to low estrogen, increasing stress fracture risk.

    Conclusions:

    • The critical fat theory is not substantiated, though body composition changes may influence menstrual function.
    • Intense training in lean female athletes poses risks of bone mineral density loss and stress fractures.
    • Long-term consequences of bone mineral deficiency in amenorrheic athletes require further investigation.