Reproductive health of the fem ale athletes

Physicians, including gynecologists, who deal with sportswomen, do not always consider in their everyday practice the changes in female reproductive function caused by severe physical exercises. A t the same time, this problem is so important, that in 1992 American College of Sports Medicine introduced the term Female Athlete Triad, describing interrelationships between eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. It is well known that menarche in athletes occur later than in sedentary women, 5-50% o f athletes are amenorrheic, anovulation takes place in 16%, luteal phase deficiency -in 4 2 % of female athletes. The high rate of ovarian insufficiency among athletes and theirprobable unfavorable sequelae require the problems in treatment andprevention of reproductive disorders in female athletes to be solved. This must be done within the modem standards of reproductive medicine.

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Leptin and Reproduction: Is it a Critical Link Between Adipose Tissue, Nutrition, and Reproduction?

Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1139/h99-025 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 317-336 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Farah S.L. Thong ◽

Terry E. Graham

Keyword(s):

Adipose Tissue ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Exercise Stress ◽

Energy Availability ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

Body Fatness ◽

Ob Gene ◽

The Neural Network ◽

Low Energy Availability

Exercise-associated reproductive disorders are frequently reported among recreationally active and elite female athletes. Although an association between exercise and menstrual disorders has been established, the mechanism by which exercise disrupts reproductive function remains unknown. Recent findings suggest that low energy availability rather than inadequate body fatness or exercise stress is likely the mechanism by which exercise impinges negatively on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in female athletes. The peripheral signal that informs the neural network of energy availability remains unknown. The identification of the adipocyte-derived ob gene product, leptin, and subsequent findings of its association with reproduction in both rodents and humans, led to speculations that it may be involved in the interactions between nutrition and reproduction. This review article focuses on leptin's role in modulating reproduction, and in particular, as a peripheral signal of nutritional status that integrates adipose tissue, nutrition, and reproduction in female athletes. Key words: female athletes, ob gene, exercise, energy balance, amenorrhea

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Stress Fractures And The Reproductive System In The Female Athlete

10.2310/fm.1513 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Irfan M Asif ◽

Kimberly Harmon ◽

Mallory Shasteen

Keyword(s):

Femoral Neck ◽

Disordered Eating ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Female Athlete ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Stress Fractures ◽

Female Athlete Triad ◽

Low Back ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Pubic Ramus

Stress fractures are more common in the female athlete. Stress fractures of the pubic ramus and femoral neck are particularly more common in females than in males. Rib stress fractures are an important injury to consider in the female rower, whereas spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in female athletes who hyperextend their spines. The higher incidence of stress fractures in females is mainly due to the higher prevalence of disordered eating and subsequent energy imbalance, which leads to detrimental effects on bone. This review discusses stress fractures and unique issues related to exercise and the female reproductive system. This review contains 6 figures, 5 tables and 49 references Key words: amenorrhea, bone mineral density, disordered eating, female athlete triad, femoral neck, pregnancy, pubic ramus, rib, spondylolysis, stress fracture

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Intake of antioxidant vitamins in women with different physical activity levels

Biomedical Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/bhk-2020-0021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 166-172

Author(s):

Anna Pietrzak ◽

Anna Kęska ◽

Marziyeh Saghebjoo ◽

Zeynab Nezamdoost

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Bioelectrical Impedance ◽

Impedance Analysis ◽

Study Groups ◽

Antioxidant Vitamins ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sedentary Women

SummaryStudy aim: The purpose of this study was to compare intake of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) in young women with various levels of physical activity.Material and methods: The study included 3 groups of females: 40 women with no extra physical activity (Sedentary), 40 women involved in regular, moderate sports activities (Recreationally Active) and 40 female athletes competing at an international level (Athletes). Participants’ diet was assessed on the basis of 3-day diet records which were analysed using the computer program ‘Dieta 5.0’. Body composition was evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method.Results: Athletes were characterized by the lowest body fat and highest lean body mass in comparison with the other groups. They also showed the highest intake of energy, proteins and carbohydrates compared to Active and Sedentary women. The consumption of vitamin A amounted to 180.0% of RDA in Athletes, 98.8% in Recreationally Active and 97.8% in Sedentary women. Vitamin C intake in Athletes equalled 275.0% of RDA, whereas the deficiency of this vitamin was observed in Recreationally Active and Sedentary women (62.3% and 46.1% of RDA, respectively). The study groups showed consumption of vitamin E at the level of 146.7% of AI in Athletes, 115.0% in Recreationally Active and 111.3% in Sedentary women.Conclusion: Athletes consumed excessive amounts of antioxidant vitamins. Recreationally Active and Sedentary women met the demand for vitamin A and E, but the intake of vitamin C was not sufficient, which could lead to health problems. The current findings also indicate that energy intake was at a low level regardless of the study group.

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Development of a screening tool for pelvic floor dysfunction in female athletes: protocol of a Delphi consensus

10.1101/2022.01.12.22269000 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Silvia Giagio ◽

Andrea Turolla ◽

Tiziano Innocenti ◽

Stefano Salvioli ◽

Giulia Gava ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Pelvic Floor ◽

Delphi Study ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Delphi Consensus

Background/aim: Several epidemiological studies have found a high prevalence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) among female athletes. However, according to several authors, these data could even be underestimated, both in research and clinical practice. Screening for potential PFD is often delayed and risk factors are not often evaluated. As a consequence, withdrawal from sport, negative influence on performance, worsening symptoms and unrecognized diagnosis may occur. The aim of our research is to develop a screening tool for pelvic floor dysfunction in female athletes useful for clinicians (musculoskeletal/sport physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians, team physicians) to guide referral to a PFD expert (e.g. pelvic floor/women's health physiotherapist, gynecologist, uro-gynecologist, urologist). Methods: A 2-round modified Delphi study will be conducted to ascertain expert opinion on which combination of variables and risk factors should be included in the screening tool. Conclusion: The implementation of the present screening tool into clinical practice may facilitate the referral to a PFD expert for further assessment of the pelvic floor and therefore, to identify potential dysfunction and, eventually, the related treatment pathway.

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Diagnosing Overtraining Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/19417381211044739 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 194173812110447

Author(s):

Justin Carrard ◽

Anne-Catherine Rigort ◽

Christian Appenzeller-Herzog ◽

Flora Colledge ◽

Karsten Königstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Exercise Tests ◽

Overtraining Syndrome ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Study Characteristics

Context: Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a condition characterized by a long-term performance decrement, which occurs after a persisting imbalance between training-related and nontraining-related load and recovery. Because of the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test, OTS remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Objective: To systematically review and map biomarkers and tools reported in the literature as potentially diagnostic for OTS. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were searched from database inception to February 4, 2021, and results screened for eligibility. Backward and forward citation tracking on eligible records were used to complement results of database searching. Study Selection: Studies including athletes with a likely OTS diagnosis, as defined by the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine, and reporting at least 1 biomarker or tool potentially diagnostic for OTS were deemed eligible. Study Design: Scoping review following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: Athletes’ population, criteria used to diagnose OTS, potentially diagnostic biomarkers and tools, as well as miscellaneous study characteristics were extracted. Results: The search yielded 5561 results, of which 39 met the eligibility criteria. Three diagnostic scores, namely the EROS-CLINICAL, EROS-SIMPLIFIED, and EROS-COMPLETE scores (EROS = Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome study), were identified. Additionally, basal hormone, neurotransmitter and other metabolite levels, hormonal responses to stimuli, psychological questionnaires, exercise tests, heart rate variability, electroencephalography, immunological and redox parameters, muscle structure, and body composition were reported as potentially diagnostic for OTS. Conclusion: Specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and metabolites, as well as psychological, electrocardiographic, electroencephalographic, and immunological patterns were identified as potentially diagnostic for OTS, reflecting its multisystemic nature. As exemplified by the EROS scores, combinations of these variables may be required to diagnose OTS. These scores must now be validated in larger samples and within female athletes.

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2 The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, menstrual irregularity and disordered eating in junior elite athletics in the UK

British Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/bjsm-2021-basemabs.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 55 (16) ◽

pp. 940.2-941

Author(s):

J Wilkinson ◽

L Mayhew

Keyword(s):

Disordered Eating ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Relative Energy ◽

Track And Field ◽

Energy Availability ◽

Female Athlete Triad ◽

Menstrual Dysfunction ◽

Energy Deficiency ◽

The Uk

The prevalence of injury in adolescent elite track and field competitors is high,1 however only one study has been conducted with UK athletes.2 Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), encapsulating the Female Athlete Triad, is a syndrome whereby decreased energy availability affects health and performance, potentially leading to an increased injury risk; particularly to bone (3). Calculating decreased energy availability is difficult, however identifying contributing factors, such as disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction, is more viable.3AimThis study was conducted to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal injury, disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction in elite junior UK track and field athletes.MethodData was collected from track and field athletes ranked within the top 10 of the UK U17 rankings in 2017 or 2018, with 138 athletes participating. Participants completed a self-reported musculoskeletal injury, disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction questionnaire relating to a 12-month time period.ResultsThis study found a 12-month retrospective injury prevalence of 43.5%. 13% of participants presented with disordered eating, whilst 37.7% of female participants presented with menstrual dysfunction. There was a statistically significant difference in injury prevalence according to gender, with more male athletes sustaining an injury compared with female athletes. No differences in injury prevalence were noted according to event group, menstrual dysfunction or disordered eating. The anatomical location displaying the highest prevalence of injury was the ankle and foot (22.5%). The anatomical structure displaying the highest 12-month injury prevalence was muscle (43.6%), followed by bone (30.9%). Additionally, 21.7% of respondents reported having previously sustained a stress fracture prior to taking part in this study.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of injuries in junior UK track and field athletes, with most injuries affecting the lower limb. Although there was no difference noted in injury risk for athletes with menstrual dysfunction or disordered eating, the prevalence of bone injuries was alarmingly high. This study indicates the requirement for future research investigating RED-S within this population.ReferenceZemper, E. Track andField Injuries. In: Caine DJ, Maffulli N. (eds). Epidemiology of Pediatric Sports Injuries. Individual Sports. Med Sport Science: Volume 48. Basel, Karger; 2005. p. 138–151D’Souza D. Track and field athletics injuries - a one-year survey. British Journal of Sports Medicine 1994; 28 (3): 197–202.Mountjoy M, Sundgot-Borgen J, Burke L, et al. The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). British Journal of Sports Medicine 2014; 48: 491–497.

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Stress Fractures And The Reproductive System In The Female Athlete

10.2310/obg.1513 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Irfan M Asif ◽

Kimberly Harmon ◽

Mallory Shasteen

Keyword(s):

Femoral Neck ◽

Disordered Eating ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Female Athlete ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Stress Fractures ◽

Female Athlete Triad ◽

Low Back ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Pubic Ramus

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Clinical characteristics of patients with reproductive dysfunction and benign ovarian neoplasms

Journal of obstetrics and women s diseases ◽

10.17816/jowd95629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 38-42

Author(s):

R. G. Gataulina

Keyword(s):

Incidence Rate ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Ovarian Neoplasms ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Research Center ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

High Incidence ◽

The Status ◽

High Incidence Rate

The study reports on the analysis of the anamnestic data of2044 women with reproductive disorders who underwent operative interventions for tumors and tumorlike masses of the ovaries during the period of 1989-1999 in the Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. A high incidence rate о f complicated anamnesis and the coexisting somatic and extragenital diseases was revealed. The data are presented concerning the status of menstrual and reproductive function of the patients examined.

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