Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea in Athletes
Lifespan Endocrinology and Energy Deficiency in Sport
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea in Athletes
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea in athletes involves reduced reproductive-axis activity associated with interacting energy, exercise and stress factors.
Development changes the reference
Hormonal patterns vary with gestation, childhood, puberty, adulthood and aging. Appropriate interpretation considers developmental stage and physiological context. A value typical of one stage can be inappropriate in another, without implying that higher hormone concentrations are always preferable.
Interpreting the mechanism
It is a diagnosis of exclusion; menstrual loss should not simply be accepted as a normal consequence of training.
Energy and reproductive function
Sustained low energy availability can alter metabolic and reproductive regulation. Symptoms and endocrine findings require assessment of other causes as well. Restoring adequate availability is central when deficiency is contributing, but the recovery time course differs among individuals and tissues.
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