Influence of high-intensity training and of dietetic and anthropometric factors on menstrual cycle disorders in ballet dancers

Abstract

Background. Intensity of exercise and low energy consumption, specific type and amount of training, early age at initiation, previous menstrual dysfunctions, low body mass index (BMI) or percentage body fat, pathological feeding habits and psychological stress have been suggested as potential factors accountable for menstrual irregularities in female athletes.Aim. To evaluate the influence of intensive training and of dietetic and anthropometric factors on menstrual cycles in female ballet dancers.Method. A case-control study, in which a structured interview and physical examination were carried out in two groups of teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years. The study included a total of 115 adolescent girls distributed in two groups: dancers (group B, n = 38) and girls of the same age not engaged in any sports activity (group C, n = 77).Results. Early starting high-intensity training delayed the onset of menarche ( p < 0.001). Dancers had a higher prevalence of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea than control girls ( p = 0.004). Additionally, the dancers had lower scores in anthropometric variables: breast circumference 80 cm vs. 86.6 cm for controls ( p = 0.0001), low weight in 18% of dancers vs. 2.6% of controls ( p = 0.0001), and low height in 18% of dancers vs. 9% of controls ( p = 0.016). In addition, in dancers, low BMI was observed in 21% compared with 13% of controls ( p = 0.0001). Finally, 32% of the dancers were on a weight-control diet while this percentage decreased to 12% for the girls in control group (odds ratio = 3.49, 95% confidence interval = 1.31-9.25).Conclusions. In ballet dancers, high-intensity training was associated with late onset of menarche, menstrual disorders, lower weight and height development, and abnormal feeding behaviors.

Prevalence of Low Bone Mineral Density in Female Dancers

“…Dance training regiments during adolescence have been linked with low body weight, late onset of menarche and menstrual dysfunctions [12] which, in turn, increase the risk of developing low BMD and osteoporosis in later life [13]. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) [14] portrays low BMD as a constituent of the female athlete triad.…”

Parental age at childbirth and age of menarche in the offspring

“…Currently, existing studies have mainly focused on personal and demographic characteristics, such as obesity and social conditions, as the potential factors influencing the timing of menarche (Roberts et al, 1977;Adair, 2001;Adair and Gorden-Larsen, 2001;Freedman et al, 2002Freedman et al, , 2003Hesketh et al, 2002;Castelo-Branco et al, 2006;Ibanez et al, 2006;Opdahl et al, 2008). Only a few studies have examined exposures at the time of organogenesis, even though fetal programming of the timing of menarche is likely (Vatten et al, 2003;Windham et al, 2004;Axmon, 2006).…”

Effects of sports training in adolescence on growth, puberty and bone health

“…However, as for growth, early intensive physical training may have a negative impact on pubertal development and reproductive function [23,[26][27][28]; it is associated with late onset of menarche mainly in sports that emphasize lean body phenotype [29,30].…”