8.1-Female Athlete and Menstrual Cycle

• How do estrogen and progesterone influence physiological systems?

  They affect immune, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems
• What are some physiological processes influenced by the menstrual cycle?

  Body temperature, fluid retention, substrate utilization
• What percentage of women believe their performance differs by menstrual cycle phase?

  57%

  
• What is a common finding regarding performance during the menstrual cycle?

  Worse performance aligns with symptom phases

  
• Why are study findings on menstrual cycle effects inconsistent?

  Poor study design and inconsistent phase definitions
• What did Bullen and colleagues (1985) study about exercise and the menstrual cycle?

  Effects of increased training on menstrual cycle

  
• What was concluded from Bullen's study on exercise training?

  Exercise training increases menstrual cycle disruption

  
• What are the types of menstrual disturbances in exercising women?

  • Ovulatory
  • Luteal Phase Defect
  • Anovulation
  • Oligomenorrhea
  • Amenorrhea

  
• What is the prevalence of normal ovulatory cycles in sedentary women?

  95%
• What is the prevalence of normal ovulatory cycles in exercising women?

  48%
• What is the definition of Low Energy Availability (LEA)?

  Energy intake below energy expenditure
• What is the threshold for Low Energy Availability?

  Less than $30 \text{kcal/kg FFM/day}$

  
• What are common signs of Low Energy Availability?

  Frequent illnesses, irregular periods, poor concentration
• What are the health consequences of Low Energy Availability?

  • Female Athlete Triad
  • Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)

  
• What is the optimal energy availability for health and performance?

  At least $45 \text{kcal/kg FFM/day}$
• What is the relationship between menstrual disturbances and energy availability?

  LEA can lead to menstrual disturbances
• Why is monitoring menstrual cycles important for athletes?

  To identify athletes at risk for Triad/RED-S

  
• What is the impact of menstrual disturbances on athletic performance?

  • Effects remain to be determined
  • Relationship with objective performance measures unknown