Clinical Manifestations of the Female Athlete Triad among Some Iranian Athletes

Management of the female athlete triad

The female athlete triad (FAT) is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as low energy availability (low EA), functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and osteoporosis. In low EA, lutein dysfunction first develops, followed by anovulation and, subsequently, oligomenorrhea, leading to amenorrhea. Moreover, low estradiol concentrations due to amenorrhea decrease bone mineral density (BMD). In athletes with one of the factors of FAT, the risk of a stress fracture is 2.4-4.9 times higher and may increase the risk of fracture throughout the lifespan. Low EA is the starting point of FAT, and the FAT concept emphasizes the importance of energy intake that is commensurate with exercise energy expenditure in athletes. In amenorrheic athletes who undergo gynecological examination, it is important to appropriately evaluate whether the cause is low EA and to review exercise energy expenditure and energy intake. It remains difficult even for experts to calculate available energy using the ACSM definition formula when evaluating energy deficiency. Moreover, performing early FAT screening during teenage years and cooperation between the department of obstetrics and gynecology and sports dietitians are also issues. The aim of this paper is to review the management of FAT from the viewpoint of gynecologists.

The effect of hormone therapy on bone mineral density and cardiovascular factors among Iranian female athletes with amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Functional hypothalamic menstrual disorder (FHMD) has a destructive effect on the athlete's bone mineral density and cardiovascular system. Utilizing hormone replacement therapy to treat FHMD in athletes is controversial. This study was conducted to examine the effect of hormone therapy on bone density and the cardiovascular system of professional female athletes with FHMD. Methods: In this study, 18 female athletes with at least a 2- year history of FHMD were recruited in a 9-month single blind randomized clinical intervention (RCT) and randomly classified into 2 groups: the oral contraceptive pills (OCP) group, who received a lowdose combined oral contraceptive (OC) containing 30 µg ethinyl estradiol and 150 µg levonorgestrel (n= 10), and the control group (n= 8). Bone mineral densitometry (BMD) and certain cardiovascular risk factors were measured before and after the 9-month trial. The Chi square test was used to compare the quantitative and qualitative results. Results: Bone mineral density did not change significantly in either group. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p= 0.035) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (p= 0.04) reduced significantly in the OCP group. An increase was observed in the serum levels of Apolipoprotein A (Apo A) (p= 0.01) in the control group. Changes in the Apo B to Apo A ratio was significant in both groups (OCP group: p= 0.018, control group: p= 0.040). No significant changes were observed in the other measured factors. Conclusion: Although the administration of estrogen did not significantly increase bone mineral density, it had positive effects on the cardiovascular system and lipid profile.

Current Status of the Female Athlete Triad: Update and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an update on the primary clinical sequelae of the Female Athlete Triad.

RECENT FINDINGS

Scientific advancements have contributed to improve understanding of Triad-related conditions, including leptin's role as a potential neuroendocrine link between energy status and reproductive function. Use of finite element analysis of HRpQCT imaging has provided a more accurate assessment of bone geometry and bone strength and may be clinically relevant. New perspectives aimed at developing and implementing a multi-disciplinary, personalized approach in the prevention and early treatment of triad-related symptoms are provided. The Female Athlete Triad is a multi-dimensional condition that affects active women across the lifespan. Energy availability impacts reproductive function and bone with implications for health and performance. Understanding the contributions of each individual component as well as their interconnected effects is necessary for progression and expansion of the Triad literature.

Body Mass Index and Menstrual Patterns in Dancers

Questionnaires were distributed to investigate body mass index (BMI) and menstrual patterns in female dancers aged 12 to 17 years. The study cohort consisted of 105 dancers, mean age 14.8 ± 1.1 years, and mean BMI 19.5 ± 2.3 kg/m². In all, 92% were healthy weight for height. First menses age ranged from 10 to 15 years (mean 12.9 ± 1.1 years). A total of 44% reported irregular menses; of those, 14% described irregularity as "every other month," 37% as "every 3 months," and 49% as "skips a month occasionally." A total of 36% of the dancers stop getting their menses during times of increased activity/dance, and 30% have gone >3 months at any time without getting their menses. A significant negative correlation between BMI and age of first menses was found with lower BMI associated with increased age of first menses (linear regression, β = -0.49, P = .021). This study supports an association between BMI and age of menarche among young female dancers. Given bone health reliance on hormonal milieu in female dancers, future research is warranted.

Menstrual Cycle and the Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Adolescent Athletes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the menstrual cycle, menstrual disorders and premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD) in girls and young women participating in competitive sports. The impact of PMS/PMDD symptoms on the quality of life was also analyzed.

DESIGN

The prospective study encompassed 125 girls and young women with the aim to determine the presence of menstrual disorders and the prevalence of PMS/PMDD.

PARTICIPANTS

The studied group was composed of 75 female athletes aged 16 to 22 years. The control group included 50 healthy girls and young women who did not practice competitive sports.

SETTING

The studied athletes and the controls prospectively evaluated their 2 consecutive menstrual cycles by using a questionnaire.

INTERVENTIONS

The research tools were a purpose-built questionnaire, a daily log of PMS symptoms according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines, and a daily log of PMDD symptoms based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnostic criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To determine the impact of competitive sports on the menstrual cycle, menstrual disorders, and the prevalence of PMS/PMDD in girls and young women.

RESULTS

Intensive physical exercise delayed menarche. PMDD was diagnosed in 8% and PMS in 42.4% of all respondents. The prevalence of PMDD did not differ significantly between the groups (9.33% versus 6.00%). PMS was significantly more frequent among athletes than among controls (49.33% versus 32%, P = .045). The prevalence of PMS correlated significantly with mean age (P = .00001) and age at menarche (P = .03) in athletes. PMS was more frequent in older athletes and in girls with older age at menarche.

CONCLUSION

Competitive sports, older mean age, older age at menarche, length of sporting career, and intensity of training are conducive to PMS. The prevalence of PMS increases with the duration and intensification of competitive exercises.

Female athlete triad for the primary care pediatrician

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Female participation in athletics has increased significantly over the past several decades. For most young women, participation in sport fosters self-confidence, positive relationships with peers, and good physical health. However, with growing female representation in athletics, the sport community has become increasingly aware of the syndrome known as 'female athlete triad,' which describes the interplay between low energy availability (LEA), menstrual disturbances, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). This review aims to discuss the definition and prevalence of the triad and prevention, detection, and treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research has elucidated the importance of identifying and treating the triad in young athletes, as adolescence is a critical time for bone development and failure to intervene can lead to long-term problems. First defined in 1992, full characterization of the triad in adolescents has been elusive because of difficulties in diagnosing low BMD in this population and reliance on self-report for menstrual disturbances and LEA. A 2007 reformulation of the triad incorporated research demonstrating that the full deleterious triad is rare and emphasized that its components exist on a spectrum. Removal of the stigma from the triad has the potential to allow earlier detection and treatment, thereby improving outcomes.

SUMMARY

The female athlete triad is a problem with important long-term consequences. Education should be geared toward athletes as well as coaches, athletic trainers, school nurses, primary care providers, and others involved in female athletics to allow early identification and intervention.