Myth: Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in female athletes is normal, due to intense training
It was great to see some discussion arising from last week’s question; is it normal for a female athlete to lose her period. Today, I wanted to tackle this myth, so that our future Sports Scientists know that it really isn’t normal for a female athlete to lose her period (even if, sadly, it is common in the world of sport).
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Underlying Health: Amenorrhea can result from inadequate energy intake, low body fat, or excessive stress. We can call the effects of this the ‘female athlete triad’ (whereby the absence of menstruation is caused by inadequate energy intake, which in turn, impairs bone health). These factors can harm an athlete’s long-term health.
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Impact on Performance: Irregular or absent menstruation can affect bone health, fertility, and overall well-being, which can indirectly impact performance.
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Individual Variation: Not all female athletes experience menstrual irregularities, and it’s crucial to recognise that what’s normal for one person may not be for another.
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Seeking Support: Female athletes should consult healthcare professionals and sports scientists to address any menstrual health concerns. Ignoring these issues can lead to more significant health problems.
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Balancing Act: Achieving a balance between performance and menstrual health is essential. It’s possible to maintain a regular cycle while excelling in sports.
Have you encountered these issues, or do you have insights on how female athletes can maintain both their performance and menstrual health? Share your experiences and knowledge; it’s a conversation that certainly needs our attention!
