Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
Despite the fact that elite female athletes are categorized as being the model of optimal health, many are plagued with menstrual dysfunction. Menstrual dysfunction is a very personal, private condition that may show very few outward symptoms; however, with increasing numbers of competitive female athletes several trends have begun to emerge. Focusing specifically on the gynecologic perspective, the most significant problem has been the disruption of the normal menstrual cycle, resulting in 2 delayed puberty, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and decreased bone density or osteoporosis.
Compounding the issues of the disruption of the normal menstrual cycle are the physical and psychological stresses placed upon female athletes. These stresses, when added to intense training, can disrupt the regularity of the menstrual cycle. Statistically, the prevalence of amenorrhea in the general population ranges from two percent to five percent (Pfeifer & Patrizio, 2002). Among athletes, amenorrhea is much more common, with some studies reporting prevalence of up to sixty-six percent (Pfeifer & Patrizio, 2002). Furthermore, Jennke states that some studies have determined a relationship between the female athlete and the delay of onset of menstrual function, finding that menarche in the general female population of the United States occurs at 12.6 years of age; competitive athletes and dancers have shown a clear delay in menarche of up to two or more years (as cited in Scuderi & Mccann, 2005).
Specifically, the purpose of this study was to review the consequences of menstrual dysfunction in the female athlete. This review also examines the compounding factors of psychological stress of competition and the physical stress of training on menstrual function. Infertility may not be more common among athletes than the general population; however, impairment of fertility is much more common in female athletes due to the higher rates of menstrual dysfunction.
Year of Submission
2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Sue Joslyn
Date Original
2005
Object Description
1 PDF file (62 pages)
Copyright
©2005 Allison D. Pohlman
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Pohlman, Allison D., "Menstrual Dysfunction and the Female Athlete: A Review of Literature" (2005). Graduate Research Papers. 4392.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4392
Comments
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