Evaluating and treating exercise-related menstrual irregularities.

Harmon, Kimberly G · Phys Sportsmed · 2002

review · Level V

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Abstract

Menstrual abnormalities, from a few skipped periods to a complete absence of menses, are extremely common in both athletic and nonathletic adolescents and women in their early 20s. Exercise-related menstrual abnormality is linked with hypothalamic pituitary axis dysfunction and is a diagnosis of exclusion. In athletes, treatment of secondary menstrual abnormalities and associated health concerns, such as bone density, may include medication and restriction from activity.