Exercise associated menstrual dysfunction
October 14, 2008
Awareness towards one’s physique and hectic exercise schedules to achieve a perfect slim figure has gained a lot of prominence in modern women. Most of the women athletes or body shape freaks are unaware of the fact that improper or excessive exercise may lead to menstrual dysfunction. This is further defined by terms such as amenorrhoea, inability to ovulate or a delay in menarche. Problems of sexual dysfunction are frequently encountered in active women and may be a major cause of health as well as performance related sexual disorders. Menstrual dysfunction leads to problems such as suppressed estrogen levels and a deleterious effect on bone health and fertility.
An insight into the causes of exercise associated menstrual disorders
Numerous factors viz. energy imbalance, exercise intensity and training practices, body weight and composition, haphazard eating behaviours, and physical and emotional stress levels, may contribute to the development of exercise associated menstrual dysfunction. Although, a person to person variation is observed in such cases, still there are evidences that excessive exercise or hectic body weight loss programs contribute to a major proportion of menstrual irregularities and problems. A proper nutrition and diet is very important for ameliorating such disorders, the diet should generally be rich in proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.
Dietary factors to avoid exercise associated menstrual dysfunction
It is very important to have regular and appropriate intake of most common micronutrients like calcium, Vitamin B-complex, iron and zinc which are very important for bone health. Athletes or women taking up body weight loss exercises should also ensure that they do not over exert or exhaust themselves to the extent of an energy drain.
If proper care is not taken?
Since bone health can be compromised in physically over-active females with menstrual dysfunction, hence a proper dietary regimen is very important. Vegetarian food intake generally leads to iron and zinc deficiency and thus, mineral supplementation is required. Menstrual dysfunction can be a major cause of post menopausal problems i.e. once the menstrual cycle stops, problems like hot flushes, profuse sweating and uneasiness etc. may occur. Therefore, an adequate intake of the B vitamins and minerals is important to ensure adequate energy production as well as building and repair of muscle tissue.
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