To evaluate the connection between menstrual disorders and body fat mass, we examined a group of 30 ballet dancers and a group of 30 non-athletic girls (controls). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and percent body fat (FAT%) was measured using the bioelectrical impedance method. A questionnaire was used to obtain age at menarche and duration of menstrual cycles. Ballet dancers had significantly lower values of BMI (18.56 +/- 1.53 vs. 19.96 +/- 2.12 kg/m2) and FAT% (18.85 +/- 4.50 vs. 23.41 +/- 4.34%) compared with controls. According to BMI, 50.0% of ballet dancers and 23.3% of the control group were underweight. Of underweight ballet dancers, 66.7% had lower values of body fat, while most underweight girls from the control group had normal body fat. Normal-weight obesity was registered in 40.9% of the control group and in 6.7% of ballet dancers. Amenorrhea was found in 20.0% and oligomenorrhea in 10.0% of ballet dancers. Ballet dancers more frequently had later appearance of menarche and menstrual cycles of longer duration than did non-athletic girls. A significant negative correlation was found between menstrual cycle duration and FAT% among ballet dancers (r = -0.415). To prevent complications caused by changes of body fat mass, we conclude that body composition assessment in ballet dancers is very important.

The expression of both ERα and ERβ in human fBAT suggests a role for estrogen in its development, primarily via ERα. In addition, our results indicate that fBAT mitochondria could be targeted by estrogens and pointed out the possible role of both ERs in mitochondriogenesis.

Changes in adipocyte size, cellular and vascular density of adipose tissue in relation with metabolic disorders, regardless of nutritional level, suggest limited capacity of fat deposition and adipose tissue response to hypoxia.

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The survey results indicate the necessity and obligation to direct attention to regular and complete diagnostics of obesity in order to determine the size of fat body mass and its distribution. The presence of obesity in normal body mass among young, student population requires the comprehensive, detailed and timely diagnosis and treatment of this disease.