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Irreversible bone loss in former amenorrheic athletes
Summary
Former amenorrheic athletes with a history of irregular menses show persistent low bone mineral density (BMD) years later. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible bone loss in these athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Oligo/amenorrhea in athletes is linked to bone mineral density (BMD) loss.
- Previous studies showed small BMD gains after menses resumption, but long-term outcomes were unknown.
Discussion:
- Vertebral BMD remained significantly lower in former oligo/amenorrheic athletes compared to regularly menstruating athletes, even after years of regular menses or oral contraceptive use.
- Athletes with a history of intermittent oligo/amenorrhea showed intermediate BMD levels.
Key Insights:
- Long-term follow-up reveals persistent vertebral bone loss in former amenorrheic athletes.
- Normalizing menses or using oral contraceptives does not fully restore bone mineral density in this population.
Outlook:
- Suggests that early intervention is necessary to prevent irreversible vertebral bone loss in oligo/amenorrheic athletes.
- Further research needed to explore effective early intervention strategies.