Menstrual Health in Female Bodybuilders During Competition Preparation
Madison Lapp1, Kendra Unger2, Courtney Pilkerton2
1Orthopedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA.
Cureus
|September 8, 2025
Summary
Female bodybuilders undergoing competition preparation often experience menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea, due to extreme dieting, high energy expenditure, and supplement use. These practices may pose significant health risks without medical supervision.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Bodybuilding involves extreme training and supplement use, potentially leading to severe health issues.
- Competition preparation in female bodybuilding impacts menstrual health through nutrition, exercise, and substance utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bodybuilding competition preparation on the menstrual health of female athletes.
- To identify common practices and their association with menstrual cycle changes in this population.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous survey was administered to women aged 18 and older involved in bodybuilding competitions.
- The survey assessed competition preparation techniques and menstrual cycle patterns.
Main Results:
- Seven athletes participated, reporting an average weight loss of 6.4 kg during preparation.
- 42.9% used weight-cutting supplements, 28.6% used anabolic steroids.
- 85.7% had regular periods pre-competition, but 57.1% experienced amenorrhea during preparation.
Conclusions:
- Competitors exhibited low caloric intake, high energy output, and used supplements for weight cutting and training enhancement.
- Prolonged periods of low calorie intake and high energy expenditure are linked to menstrual dysfunction, specifically amenorrhea.
- This study highlights potential negative health outcomes associated with bodybuilding practices, emphasizing the need for professional medical supervision.
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